fire

The Wildland Firefighters

A lightning strike could start the blaze;
the smoke is seen through the morning haze.
It spirals up into the sky;
there is a fire on the mountain high.

The dry season is drawing near;
the call goes out, "We need you here!"

Into the night, risking their lives,
leaving their homes, their children and wives.
Wildlands Firefighters go where there's a need,
putting safety first is the motto they heed.

Men and women in green and gold,
hold the line and do as they're told.
They battle the flames that threaten our lands;
they fight them with rakes, shovels, and hands.

They sleep in tents on the cold, cold ground,
ever ready for the alarm to sound.
Keeping our forests safe from harm,
woods and mountains and even the farm.

Duty calls, and for fourteen days,
they give up their lives and their own ways,
So, if they happen to come to your town,
say a great big Thank You and cheers all around.
They give of themselves most selflessly,
that our National Forests may continue to be!

Chantilly - 11/09/01

*I have had the pleasure of being with some of the most courageous people I've ever I've ever met...Wildlands Firefighters! They leave their homes from all over the United States and go where there is a fire. They work all day and night, making sure the fire is out and homes are safe. They sleep when, where and if they can. In one place, they were threatened with shotguns...the arsonists didn't want them there. In another, they climbed straight up a burning mountain in the middle of the night, putting the flames out as they went. It got down to 17 degrees one night...they slept in a tent on cots (there were 21 of us in that tent!). The sight of a mountain burning at 3:00 in the morning is an awesome sight...but to see men and women climb that mountain, armed with only shovels, rakes and chainsaws...putting it out as they go...is even more awe inspiring. If you know...or perchance meet...a Wildlands Firefighter...tell them how much you appreciate what they're doing.

Chantillytoyou@yahoo.com