Just before I could turn the lights out for good and let the day rest, I heard my macbook “ding” a text message notification. It was my boss notifying me that there was a house fire near me, and if I was awake, if I could go cover it. I made my way over to 7th and South to find the sky lit up orange.

I have never seen a house on fire in person in my life. A consistent smoke waved across the lawns as red and blue lights painted the surrounding houses in the night. People lined up along the sidewalk as they made calls and recorded on their cell phones. Commotion coming from all angles: people scrambling with no destination, firefighters tactically moving all around the house, emergency vehicles barricaded the streets, and the ever strong smoke that made the pack-a-days wheeze.

I was surprised at how many people were in attendance. It was as if we were all at a carousel. Kids anticipated for the flame to make its way around the house, as if there was order to its spiral. Neighbors who recognized that I worked for local news wanted to show me the footage they took.

The curious night owls’ gossip smoldered in the air. Speculation made its way around the crowd - from what started the fire to who lived in the specific apartment that was on fire. Incoherently, names and plot lines were shared amongst the spectators.

It was hours before the fire department got the fire under control and the crowd started to dissipate. Soon it was just me and a few other loiterers.

I could have left along with the crowd, but the juxtaposition of the situation kept me around. You have firefighters doing what they were trained to do: to put a fire under control and keep the public safe from it. They did this with a calm tenacity. Controlled and professional. Some snacked, smoked, hydrated, and had conversations with fellow firemen. Then you look across the street and saw the group who just lost their homes and most likely a lot of personal property. The Red Cross handed out paperwork to them.

The firemen were kind enough to supply me with coffee as the blue morning light teased the now simmered fire. I hung around the firemen. They were in high spirits. The fire damage was kept to a minimum. It took many men to make this area safe, and with their great effort, the smoke and its lingered smell wont interrupt the morning joes.