Essays

Fire is the first discovery made by man. It was   chance discovery when men used to live in caves. It was found that if one piece of stone is struck against another, a spark of fire is produced. Fire was used to escape from cold. Later it was used to cook and heat food.

Fire is now used to produce steam to run railway engines. Energy produced by burning coal is used in mills and Factories. Thermal power stations used it for producing electricity. Fire has thus become a source of energy. It is useful to mankind; it can destroy too. Hindus workship fire, the Agni devta. Marriages are solemnized by taking rounds around the sacred fire amid chanting of mantras. Fire kills germs—it keeps the atmosphere

Fire is a good servant but not a good master. It’s   could be fierce. It can cause great loss to forests when wild fire breaks out. It can cause loss to life and property. Especially dangerous it can become in a locality with inflammable material as rubber, wood, petrol or LPG.

A fire accident in our locality in summer is vividly Sometime in June, a heat wave was on. The Wether was hot and sultry. Nearing midnight cries of Fire were heard. Post haste people came out of their houses with a view to lending a helping hand.

I got up and looked around from the terrace. I saw   Clouds of dark smoke rising from a neighbouring house.   I ring up the nearest Fire Brigade. Directions to reach were given. I also informed the police.

 On reaching on the house on fire, I saw a large crowd around. Screams' of person trapped inside were heard.

Others entered the house from the backside for help by way of removing whatever household articles. Buckets of water were thrown as well as sand from a pile. Strong wind was blowing.

The engines of the Fire Brigade reached the place. Firemen in uniform and helmets on from each fire engine alighted with alacrity. Instantly they got busy with quiet efficiency. A police jeep arrived. The corporator from the MCD who stays closely also reached.

The police cordoned off the area so that the fire fighters could work without let or hindrance. Hose pipes were trained on the ground floor. Two firemen with fireproof uniform on entered and brought out the remaining occupants who suffered minor burns—but were declared out of danger. The presence of lady corporator from the MCD, and other elders of the lane did help matters. Police did a good job. Commendable job indeed from the Fire Brigade who brought the fire under control in 20 minutes flat. Kudos go to this well-trained and professional staff. Hats off to them. The Fire Engines after ensuring all was well left, as also the gypsy from the police.

Estimates were being worked out of the loss. There was a lot of in-built woodwork. Now the beautiful house presented an ugly sight. Luckily the house stood insured. Short circuit in electric wiring is reported to have been the cause. Neighbours help was really exemplary in this emergency situation.