IT was a hot afternoon, and I was engrossed in my work on the laptop. I had to switch on the lights as it suddenly began to darken outside. It was the month of May, and there was no forecast of rain. A strange whiff drifted into the room. It resembled the smell of smoke, and I wondered how rain clouds could carry the scent of something burning. Just as I was about to resume my work, my daughter came running from the other room. “There is a massive fire outside," she shouted. “We should rush to a safer place."
Taken aback, I hurried to the balcony to see what was happening. What met my eyes was a scene I had seen only in films. A raging fire was advancing rapidly. I could see the terrifying fury of flames approaching our apartment complex. We live on the first floor, and from our balcony, one can view a vast stretch of vegetation beyond the compound wall.
The fire had almost reached the boundary wall when my daughter insisted that we go out. Meanwhile, our apartment community group was buzzing with frantic messages and photographs of the blaze that was devouring the dry vegetation. We rushed downstairs to seek help from the security personnel. Several neighbours had gathered outside and anxiety was beginning to spread.
The security staff calmly reassured everyone that there was no need to panic. They pointed out that other guards were already stationed at strategic locations to combat the advancing fire. Like professional firefighters, they handled large hosepipes with remarkable confidence and efficiency. It was literally a battle between fire and water. Jets of water were directed at the flames in an effort to prevent them from spreading further. An electrical room is situated close to the compound wall. Had the fire reached that area, the consequences could have been disastrous. A major electrical explosion might have occurred, putting the entire complex at serious risk.
Fortunately, by the time the fire engine arrived, the situation was largely under control, thanks to the swift and determined efforts of the security guards. True to their role, they had performed their duty admirably. Their preparedness and presence of mind deserve the highest praise. Residents who had witnessed the frightening scene rewarded them with a heartfelt round of applause.
In the past, I had often received notifications from our estate manager about fire drills being conducted in the community. I had never fully appreciated their significance. That day, however, taught me an invaluable lesson about the importance of being prepared for the worst. Steven Cyros has rightly said: “Remember: When disaster strikes, the time to prepare has passed."
The author is a Bangalore-based freelance writer
