Racing Horses and Fire

The fire department meeting had jus’ let out and I was on my way home. However, what was generally a ten minute drive would turn out to be a bit longer than usual.

While heading south on U.S. 395, alongside old North Virginia Street, I could see a strange glow in the nighttime sky. Then I saw the Washoe County Sheriff Cruiser racing towards the light.

Immediately I turned off the highway as I suspected it might be some sort of fire. As I pulled up to the cruiser, I could see the field below where we were stopped was ablaze and it was starting in on a barn.

Without waiting I grabbed my turn outs and pulled them on. Then I dashed over the side of the road, climbed between the lines of barbed wire fencing and made my way through the burning field to the barn.

Inside the now-burning building, I could hear the screams of horses as they tried to escape. I popped open the large double doors and I was met by six of the wildest, out-of-control animals I had ever seen.

They knocked me down and raced over me.

A little dazed, I wandered back in the direction of my car. I could see a couple firefighters, hoses streaming water, working to put out the grass fire.

They saw me and waved. I waved back. They waved again. I returned their wave. They waved a little more frantically. I politely returned their waves one more time.

Then I heard the pounding of horse’s hooves racing up behind me.