Tragedy has always been part of our human existence.
When it happens in the distance we feel compassion, but when it comes close to home it strikes a nerve at our vulnerability.
In the late evening of Nov. 1, catastrophe struck at Delorme Beach. At about 10:30 p.m. I saw the Meota volunteer fire brigade heading out down Metinota road. Meota was only one crew called to a blaze that, in the end, was to level two homes and damage another to the point that it will probably not be salvageable.
When the Meota brigade arrived on scene one home was almost completely levelled, a second was fully engulfed by flames and the third was burning. At that point, there were four fires trucks on the scene, with two pumpers and two control vehicles.
The third home's gas meter supply line had been melted and there was a blast of gas-fed flame shooting out of it.
There were fire brigades in attendance at the scene with Cochin being the first to respond followed by Meota and Glaslyn.
The main comment of Meota's Fire Chief, Dean Menssa was that even though the three groups have no actual working contact they worked extremely well together in a professional manner.
Menssa also reflected on how attending a fire of this magnitude makes firefighters reflect on the danger each of these volunteers is putting themselves into. Volunteers are inspired think about the fact there is always the chance that they could be hurt or even lose their life in these situations.
The three crews were on site until about 3:30 a.m. when they felt that the situation was under control. A pumper and a water tanker were left on scene until about 8:30 a.m.. Then, at around 10:30 a.m., Cochin was called back to bring a few flareups under control.
At 1 p.m. Nov. 2, fire investigators from the RCMP met members from Meota and Cochin fire departments to look over the scene and start an investigation that is ongoing.
When I arrived to take some pictures I talked with SaskEnergy and SaskPower workers who had been on site to shut down the power and natural gas feeds that were still active and creating a danger to the firefighters. The SaskEnergy representative had been required to dig down to the gas line with a shovel to cut off the supply to the fire scene.
We often do not thank and show appreciation for the dangerous work these brave volunteers and workers for the utility companies, who are often called out when the conditions are at their worst and put themselves in harm's way.
Each and every one of us owes them a great amount of gratitude for their willingness to go out and risk life and limb to give of themselves in protecting our homes and lives. To each and every one of the fir fighters and utility workers I want to say thank you on behalf of all of the rest of us in the communities that you serve.
You are truly our local heroes.
