Mike, my fire dept. is only 2 1/2 mi. from my home, but it took the truck 25 min. to respond because the guy was running errands with it 30 mi. away. When he finally got here, he just pulled half way into my gated entrance because he was afraid to drive under the electric line that was firmly attached to a pole 30 yds. from the house. In doing so, he blocked access to the two other trucks which arrived shortly afterwards. By the time he unravelled 100 yds. of hose and began to ffight the fire, the strong March winds were taking their toll. Then it turned out his tank was nearly empty and he was only able to squirt water for maybe 2 or 3 mins.. So by the time he got his truck out of the way and the other trucks went ahead and pulled on up into my driveway beside the house, it was too late. The 100 yr. old frame home was constructed from hand-hewn oak studs, solid plastered walls, and had that kind of insulation that looks like minced up newspaper. Everyday, usually at night, new fires would flare up and the firemen had to return to put them out. Plus, it probably didn't help that the home was jam-packed with antique furiture and quilts, along with enough material to modestly stock a Jo-Ann Fabrics. Along with everything else (I was lucky to get the dogs out) I also lost all my guns, including two Belgian Brownings. Fortunately, though, we all survived - except my wife's cat - and we have a beautiful new home with new furniture. Sure glad I paid those insurance premiums.
