I was sure I saw a fire.
On Friday, I was driving up the Hart Highway and saw what looked like fire and smoke pouring out of a second story window tucked in behind a building in an industrial area.
Unlike every single other day, I forgot my cell phone at home.I drove past the road too quickly to turn around and plus, I was running a little behind.When I arrived at my parents' house to drop off my little duckies, I talked to them about what I was pretty sure I saw and we agreed that I should probably call it in.
I talked to the dispatcher and told them what I thought I saw and even gave my real name and didn't pretend to be my mom in the event I was wrong (I wanted to).As I drove past the site of the alleged fire, the fire trucks were on their way back and I had mixed feelings.
I was glad there wasn't a fire and I felt bad that I wasted people's time.However, in order to be a good citizen, I believe that it is our responsibility that if you see something, you say something.
How would I have felt if the fire was happening and I didn't say anything because I assumed that someone else would have already reported it.Neighbourhoods are already undergoing a breakdown of community-mindedness.We are responsible for each other.There is a fear among people to get into each other's business and to shrug off unsettling instances that we witness.Sure, eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable, however, good intentions still matter. I reported what looked like a fire - not to make mischief but because if it was a fire, the fire department should know about it. I was honest to the dispatcher and I didn't know for sure but it looked like a fire.As it turns out, I was wrong.
I am sensitive about fires in houses. I have watched at least five house fires in my life and they are terrifying.Many years ago, my household was woken up to a neighbour's home on fire on Christmas morning.Christmas morning and this poor family lost everything they owned.
Fire is scary.Remember to not leave candles unattended and please remember to check your smoke alarm.
Also, if you see something suspicious, report it.
