‘Sorry, but we need you. And the Wagtail Ridge volunteers.’
‘What’s happened?’
‘Wind change. The teams at the Castle Rock fire won’t be able to hold it. They need reinforcement. Now.’
As he listened, Justin became aware that the wind had indeed changed direction and strength. There was even the smallest hint of smoke in the air. He wouldn’t have noticed it if not for Ben’s call. Now he couldn’t shake it. ‘I can smell the smoke.’
‘Yeah. It’s moving fast. Can you open up the station there and call in as many volunteers as you can get? I’m doing the same here. We should be on the way in about half an hour.’
‘Will do.’
‘When you’re ready, central ops will tell you where to go.’
Justin heard a shout down the phone.
‘I’m out of here,’ Ben said. ‘Be safe, brother.’
‘Be safe—’ Ben was gone before the words were spoken.
Justin put his phone back in his pocket. ‘I have to go.’
‘I know.’
‘I …’ He had to say something. He couldn’t just walk away from her, but his mind was spinning with the urgency of the things he had to do.
‘It’s fine. I understand. You have to go.’
She did understand. He knew that and it meant everything to him. ‘I’ve got to get the volunteers organised. Come on.’ He reached for her hand and held it tightly as they hurried back inside the hall.
The party was in full swing, with the band playing loudly. The dance floor was heaving with people having a good time and Justin pushed his way through to the stage and jumped up. The singer looked at him with surprise. Justin held his gaze for a few seconds and the singer understood. He stepped back and signalled to his bandmates to stop.
As the music faded, Justin stepped to the microphone. ‘There’s a bushfire.’
The words echoed around the hall. The band put down their instruments, all movement on the dance floor ceased and every face turned towards Justin.
‘Sorry to spoil the fun. Most of you know I’m with the RFS. There’s a fire burning up near Castle Rock. The wind is changing. They need us.’
There was a sudden stir of movement and voices as the information sank home.
Someone on the dance floor asked the question that was on everyone’s minds. ‘Is it coming this way?’
‘It might. The smoke is blowing this way. We need all the trained volunteers we can get. I don’t know if the fire will get this far, but everyone should get ready to defend your homes. Make sure your neighbours are all right. Have a go-bag ready in case the word comes through to evacuate. Keep listening for updates. Radio. Internet. Phone. If you don’t have it already, download the RFS app.’
There was a soft murmur of assent.
‘Thanks.’ Justin turned to the small crowd of townsfolk who weren’t firefighters. ‘Please spread the word and make sure no one gets caught out. Help each other. You know what to do.’
His eyes met Anna’s and she nodded. ‘We’ll get things organised here,’ she said. ‘This can be our evacuation centre and it’s the best place for the firefighters if they need food or a break.’
‘Thanks.’ He wanted to say more to her, but he didn’t have time. Carol was standing beside Anna, her face creased with worry. ‘Look after each other,’ he said again to the town in general, but his eyes were on Carol and Anna. ‘And if the word comes to evacuate the town, don’t hesitate.’
They both nodded.
‘I’m heading over to the fire station now. Firefighters, come with me.’ Justin jumped down from the stage. Anna was waiting for him, but they were soon surrounded by people stepping forward with offers of help.
‘I know I’m not properly trained, but I can help.’ That was Dave, who had helped clear the firebreak around Carol’s house. He was clutching the hand of his girlfriend.
‘I’ll help too.’ Rick was also eager.
