Heartfelt thank you to real heroes of fire department

Every second counts. And your life and situation can change in an instant too. An enjoyable day working outside suddenly is interrupted by a loud bang, sparks and the surrounding area catching on fire. You make the 911 call and quickly realize your home is in jeopardy. Next, getting the animals out of the house, moving the cars out of the garage, and scooping up whatever is deemed valuable. One finds it so hard to think straight and not panic. Frantic to save your house, you use a small garden hose to battle an inferno fire that is so hot you feel as if a toothpick is in your hands and temperatures and smoke that make it difficult to continue. Trying to keep it at bay, waiting and listening for the fire trucks to arrive. A most welcome noise when the sirens are heard. How thankful to see the firefighters as they jump into action, dousing water onto the roof, trying to save my house. Their work is tireless, they risk their lives every day. One gains a new appreciation and a new perspective. I am most grateful to their efforts. Afterwards, they confided to me that they were not certain they could save my home. The fire was so close, my fence and some of the aspens were a casualty. Another 30 seconds, maybe a minute, was all we had. Trucks from Whitefish, Evergreen and West Valley were all there. Thank you for coming. Thank you to Joe Page, the Whitefish Fire Chief for being in attendance. Thank you to each fire fighter who battled the flames and stayed to ensure it was totally extinguished. Thank you to my neighbors Michele Irelan, who ran in to take the animals, Joe and MaiBritt Bennett who both watered down the fence and took valuables out of the house. And thank you to everyone that stopped their car when on the road to allow the fire trucks to get to their destination as quickly as possible. Every second counts. Thank You!

Angel Dominguez and Diana Tague, Whitefish