April 27th, 2015 - Fire at Housing Complex

It was 9pm – like any other day- I had finished dinner and was lounging in my pyjamas, listening to the news on the Nepal tragedy when I heard the wailing of a siren.  Soon I could see the rotating lights reflect on my windows as they went around a merry go round while the siren continued to sound. At first I thought a neighbour had a medical emergency and so an ambulance had come. Call it neighbourly concern or simply curiosity I happen to peek out of the windows to check why there was still such a commotion. It was a sight I won’t ever forget.

The 6^th and 7^thfloor houses of the building right next door were lit up due to the raging fire inside. For a few seconds I just stood and watched the flames – against the dark of the night, the stillness in the summer air interrupted by the whoosh & hiss of the flames - eerie, the shiny fire engine blaring its siren. Then instinct kicked in and it occurred to me that with all the wooden scaffolding put up (buildings in our housing complex are getting repaired and painted), something could go horribly wrong. So off I rushed to warn my neighbours and they too had been alerted and everyone was hurrying to the open area downstairs. Luckily for me, being on the second floor has its advantages. I had returned from work around 8pm, so I quickly changed clothes, grabbed my purse (yes, for women-all our world resides in it) and my phone, checked & ensured the power, stove and gas were switched off, locked the house and stepped out.

There we were - children, youngsters, the elderly and Muffin (the much loved Labrador in our building) watching breathlessly as we took in the spectacle in front of us. At that time we didn’t know if anyone was in the next door building or they had been quickly evacuated. The fires were leading to a lot of sputtering and soon some 5^th floor windows & surrounding scaffoldings started to light up. As stuff fell from the 7^thfloor to the 6^th & then to the 5^th, we truly did hear a sickening thud with each drop. Involuntarily we all took a step back fearful that something would go awry.

Fortunately the fire had been spotted early but it took a good 20 minutes for the flames to be put out. We could see plumes of jet black smoke coming out of both houses, the smell of burnt stuff was in the air and the fire engine continued to spray steady jets of water from the outside while the fire fighters tried to curb the fire from within. Once we saw the flames starting to come under control, all other residents of remaining buildings decided to head back to their houses. So did I –it had been quite a day & I had to inform worried folks at home residing in another city and few friends & colleagues from work that all was well and safe. It was another hour before the fire fighters finally ensured all embers had died (the fire engine had sprayed water for almost over 30mins) and checked that the impacted building was safe . There was another loud wail (more of a moan) and the heaven sent blessing in the form of the brave firemen and their bright red fire engine took off for their fire station.

While we’ll get to learn the cause of the fire in the newspaper & society circular tomorrow, we do have fire hydrants/extinguishers in our society regularly inspected, there’s no denying that the proximity of the fire station to our housing complex was a big advantage. The events of tonight were totally unprecedented. I know what I experienced today is nothing compared to what & if something had gone amiss. My respect & salutations to those who continually brave the odds to ensure safety of others!

You know the question– what will you do & take with you in case of fire at home? Well, at some point we’ve been asked this or heard someone respond to it. Frequently heard responses shared with me were (not necessarily in order of preference or popularity) my diary, my family (mother/ sister), my dog, wallet/ jewellery, educational certificates/ medical documents, special book, stamp collection and even my prized begonias!!

For me, as I stood there, clutching my bag, house keys & my phone, watching someone else’s home burn down, while mine was still safe - it was a humbling experience. In times of crisis we pray for each other’s well-being and not for our possessions, we reach out & help each other & not seek anything in return and what we truly are most thankful for is life and the opportunity to live it.