One of the firefighters dragged himself to his feet and left the hall for a few minutes. He returned with some radio equipment, which he set up on a table at the far end of the room. Carol walked over to him.
‘I’m sorry to disturb you. All we know is what we see on the news, that the fire is spreading. Is there anything you can tell us?’
‘Not much more than you already know. The wind is rising and now they’re expecting it to change direction.’
‘Change direction?’ Deb joined Carol. ‘Which way?’
‘It may end up turning this way,’ the firefighter said. ‘You might get a lot more of us here needing food and a rest.’
‘We’ll do whatever we can.’
The firefighter hesitated. ‘How many people are there in and around the town?’
‘About three hundred. A few more. Why?’
‘Can you spread the word? People should be prepared to evacuate. Pack a go-bag. Make sure the kids are nearby.’
‘We’re prepared,’ Carol said. ‘Our own volunteers are out there now. It can’t be that bad. Surely.’
‘I’m not saying it is. I’m saying be prepared. And in the meantime, those who can should get ready to defend their homes.’
‘We are already on that. But I’ll spread the word to be ready.’ Deb turned back to the rest of the room.
‘Please,’ Carol almost whispered. ‘I just … I have two sons out there fighting the fire …’
‘I know where most of the crews are, but not who is on them. But I’ve had no reports of any serious injuries, if that helps.’ The radio started to crackle and the firefighter turned away.
No reports of serious injuries. It wasn’t what she had hoped to hear, but it was something. Carol left the firefighter to his work.
There wasn’t much activity in the hall. The exhausted firefighters were resting. Some were asleep and an occasional snore drifted through the room. Everyone else was still clustered around the tablet and the news broadcast or checking their phones.
A man Carol hadn’t noticed before approached the group.
‘I’m looking for Carol Turner.’
Carol’s heart almost exploded. ‘That’s me!’ Her voice broke as fear took an icy grip on her heart.
‘I have an injured wombat in the car. It’s got some burns. I was told you could help it.’
Relief washed over her. ‘Yes. I can. Let’s look at it.’ The two of them walked out to the car. Bree and Deb followed behind.
The animal was wrapped in a towel and lying in a cardboard box on the back seat of the man’s car. It was a juvenile and its fur was singed, and its face was covered in soot and ash. It was moving feebly.
‘I need to get it to the vet,’ Carol said. ‘Let’s get it into my car.’ It felt good to have a purpose.
It wasn’t until the animal was safely transferred that she thought to ask. ‘Who told you to bring it here? To me?’
‘One of the firefighters. Out by my place. He said to tell you Ben sent it.’
Carol closed her eyes. Relief washed over her. Ben was okay. She looked at Bree and Deb and saw the relief in their faces too.
‘Was his twin brother with him?’ Bree asked the question before Carol could.
‘I don’t know. There wasn’t time. It’s pretty bad out there and I have to get back now. That’s if I still have a home to go back to.’ He returned to his car and drove away.
‘I’ll take this guy to Anna,’ Carol said.
Deb put a comforting hand on her shoulder. ‘We’ll let you know if we hear anything.’
