I feel a tadge guilty writing about a fire, when a real widespread damaging, life threatening fire is spreading across LA. I have even heard that some US Christian communities have said it is God’s revenge upon the woke liberals of California. So, I am not sure why God would let our telegraph pole catch fire in the wee village of Brydekirk.
“Just as we were waking, Mandy saw a blinding flash. Pondering on whether something spiritual was occurring, we noticed that, oddly, if this were to be so, why would the power go out simultaneously?”
The power then returned and we stumbled into the kitchen to put the kettle on. This might have been the straw to break the camel’s back, as then the village’s power was cut. I doubt it was our solitary kettle, I hope not. With the top of the telegraph pole now alight, flames licking either side of the power cables, a few of us were now outside. Some neighbours frantically moved their vehicles from underneath the flames.
It was interesting to note that some were already fully dressed, whilst others, like yours truly, were in the latest 2010-vintage dressing gowns, with non-matching coats.
An announcement on Facebook said that the road was closed between Manse Crescent, ‘the old shop’, and a named cottage. I loved it that it referenced something that only the locals would recognise. We have no amenities in the village whatsoever now, well, other than the wonderful primary school, with its 23 pupils. The latter would be closed today as the telegraph pole was on the corner of the road leading to the school.
The flames soon were out, just in time for the fire engine from the local town to arrive and declare that the area was now safe. It was still comforting that they were out quickly from the first call. Scottish Power were also soon on the scene, with their cherry picker, hard hats over the top of thinking caps.
It was at this point that people started to consider what power supplies each neighbour had. Yes, there’s no mains gas in the village; hence oil is somewhat of a necessity for many, whilst electricity is vital for those on heat pumps, and it would also be driving the oil boilers as well. Soon plumes of smoke were to be seen from chimneys, from the log burners, chocked to the gunnels with logs, trying to keep that house warm.
Fortunately, after the past power cut, we had agreed to buy ourselves the latest in metallic kettles. So, soon after, we had hot water: for us and for the neighbours who were solely using electricity – that is, with no log burner.
In conversations, gathered across the road from the now infamous pole, we remarked how, in such circumstances, many were ‘falling back’ upon a wood fire. How, that in the rural communities, it was the basic things of life which kept you going. Of fire to keep you warm: both with heat and drink; and of community, out there together: checking upon each other, ensuring that all were ok. The coffee morning, scheduled for today in the Village Hall, may still go ahead with things to eat. The Hall’s heating had been on overnight so, even it were not on now, the place might be a warm space for the community.
So, even in adversity, there is hope. I hope for the people of LA also, that people are on the lookout for others.