Fire department saves the day

By Debbie Irmen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Thursday, April 24, 2008

Many people criticize the emergency services offered in Fergus Falls. Yet, these same people call on these services when an emergency arises; and the people who work for these services help just the same.

I don’t think I’m one of those who complain, but perhaps I’m just as guilty because I don’t set the record straight when I hear disparaging comments.

Not anymore.

I have been hospitalized four times — twice when my children were born and twice for surgeries.

With my first child, I had complications that sent me back not once but twice, when I also experienced the care of the Intensive Care Unit.

I think I’m reasonably qualified to say that the medical services provided by Lake Region Hospital are more than adequate — the people who took care of me in each instance were caring, sensitive, fun, efficient and competent. I’m so sorry I don’t remember their names.

Last weekend we had occasion to experience the efficiency and dedication of the Fergus Falls Fire Department.

A neighbor’s fire got out-of-hand rather quickly, as I understand it, and soon burned about half the slough bordering our property and several neighboring properties.

I wasn’t home, but a fellow news hound saw the smoke and literally followed it to our home. She called me to say there was a fire, fire trucks were all over the place and I should get home.

My heart immediately sank as I grabbed my keys, hollered to let my daughter know were I was headed and got into the car, Vicki on my heels.

As I headed home, I recalled the information conveyed was that a field was on fire. I don’t have a field near my house, so — irrationally — I made the leap that our house was on fire and I began to panic.

It takes about 10 minutes for me to get from one side of town to the other and I called my friend back to ask — specifically what was on fire.

My concern wasn’t so much for the house — that would likely have come later — but for our four furry pets. One of my worst fears is that one day we will have a house fire and we won’t be able to save the cats.

Thankfully, it was just the slough and no one was hurt.

Thank goodness we haven’t planted grass yet. I have joked with people that we had a natural fire break around the house because we have a dirt yard.

However, grass or no grass, the fire department would have saved the house — had it been threatened — I know that without a doubt.

In the time it took me to cross town, the fire fighters had the fire knocked down and were double-checking to make sure no embers remained to restart the blaze.

I don’t know when the neighbors called the fire department but that the fire didn’t burn the entire slough is testament to their speedy arrival, efficiency in setting up and getting water on the flames.

And all that on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. There must have been about a dozen fellas in protective fire-fighting gear who responded to our fire. I also understand they had been out earlier in the day.

You never know how good we’ve got it here in Fergus Falls until you need the emergency services of the hospital, the fire department or the police. If you haven’t needed them, thank God, but if you do call on them, be sure to thank them for the great job they do.

And quit being so darned critical.

Debbie Irmen’s column runs Thursday.