Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Watching a House Burn

Today, as I was returning Slumdog Millionaire to the Redbox at our local McDonalds, I happened upon a sight that every little boy dreams to see. Along Westport Road here in Louisville, they're working on a road widening that involves the demolition of several homes along the road. For weeks the St. Matthews Fire Department and Louisville Metro Police Department have been training in the now vacant homes, kicking in doors and punching holes in their roofs. Today they used the homes for the only thing they were still good for...fire training.

Here are a few pictures of the fun. I stood with a crowd of about 20 people (adults and kids...what a great Spring Break outing!) and watched this house from ignition to embers.

This is when it got REALLY HOT. From across the road it felt like I was standing next to a bonfire.

Here it looks like the fire is about to go out, but this was not the case..not yet anyway.

Finally, with the home reduced to scorched brick, I headed on my way, my inner boy fulfilled and happy.

Here's a short video of what I saw:


3 comments:

LLG said...

What a boy moment! I'm sure your brothers will think this is very cool.
Love,
MOM

Andrew Groves said...

Dude, I'm jealous.

pita-woman said...

Great pix! Speaking as a former vol. firefighter & wife of a firefighter... it IS a bit of an adrenaline rush to see a building burning like that, but certainly it's always better knowing it's a training fire and no home-owners/occupants are possibly trapped inside.
Jon, Maybe you should consider testing the waters and fulfilling that little-boy dream... The local fire depts. are always looking for volunteers to serve as firefighters, support staff and chaplains (that could be right up your alley!!).