Assembly Line Firefighting...at School

I haven't written much about LIFE School, and there are many posts I look forward to sharing. However, today's small episode needs to be shared today. In Guatemala the rainy season ends in early November. The earth is dry, as are the weeds and grasses. While the entire school was enjoying morning recess, one of the teachers noticed what looked like small flames about 50 yards from the main school entrance.

Yes, small flames. Fire! FIRE! Our school guardian (custodian with way more responsibility than the typical US custodian) walked to it with a bucket of water. While it wasn't a huge fire, it was probably more than one man should take on. Rather quickly we gathered the troops. Elementary students took charge of filling cups, bowls, and whatever containers they could find. They stood at the outdoor sink enthusiastically filling and pouring while other students waited for full containers to run to the front gate. Teachers then carried the water from the gate to the fire. Some of us, like myself, couldn't walk on the already charred ground as we were wearing flip flops and other precarious shoes. 

Three 4th graders (my students) and one 5th grader filling the BIG water bucket.

The LIFE School Director, the Guardian and a teacher pouring water on the fire. Notice the teacher in the background holding a 5 gallon water container that he used. The director (in front) is holding a white pitcher that she filled using water from the big bucket. Quite the operation! These people are in the trenches because they wore high-quality footwear to school!

Some of the charred ground. The fire probably covered 30 yards. 

Just after we got the fire out, the volunteer bomberos (firefighters) arrived. They gave the area a good dousing. While I was never worried about my safety or the safety of others at school, it definitely added a bit of excitement to the day. 

Another teacher just happened to have the Volunteer Firefighters number in her cell. 

After the fire - Santiago, Brandon, Xeila, and Tara, some of our volunteer student firefighters, relaxing after their hard work filling containers with water. Brandon is eating a common snack - corn on the cob smothered in mayonnaise and ketchup. They like to show me this snack because I think it's disgusting. 

This post is dedicated to Kevin Gray Price, our family firefighter. We hope we make you proud.