Editorial: Many have your back Bucyrus

Talk about it

Thinking about the fire that tore through Bucyrus Wednesday into early Thursday is enough to send shivers down one’s spine.

This is the type of tragedy, that unless you were there, you likely will never understand.

And as cliché as it is, in times of trouble, you will find your true friends. Guess what? Much of southwestern North Dakota has turned out to be true friends.

Firefighters — let’s rephrase — volunteer firefighters from at least 12 departments stepped up and spent a long day and night on-scene of what is estimated as a 5,000- or 6,000-acre fire.

Here, they not only put their lives at risk, but spent hours in a miserable situation in damaging windy weather, away from families and putting all commitments aside.

The fire razed four homes and a business in the town about 60 miles south of Dickinson, population 27. Firefighters stopped it before it reached the much bigger town of Hettinger. Who knows where it would have gone without them.

These volunteers know the commitment they have made and don’t second-guess what to do when that scan for back-up goes off. Without a blink, pack up what you are doing and go.

Numerous people have stepped in to house those who lost their homes and the sharing of food shows so much about the communities. That’s how it should be. Food says a lot without the necessity of speech.

As a small-town newspaper, we want to express our sincere thanks to those in the official capacity and the community members impacted by this hardship, for sharing their stories.

People across the region have so many questions and are searching for information. Thank you for helping them to understand.

An incident of this magnitude also makes those who were not there think about what to do in a time like this? If you are sitting at home and are told you have five minutes to get out, what comes to mind?

Alongside loved ones, do you search for your wallet, grab your photos, a sweater, prescriptions, nothing? Let others learn from this devastation. It is a good time to talk to your families about a crisis plan: where to meet if separated, who to call, what “stuff” to take. Know the meaning of different-length siren tones in your town, and talk to emergency responders if you have questions.

We can put together plans for these incidents but it’s difficult to put together what to say to those who lost so much. We don’t have the answer, but we know that many around the area — and nation — are thinking of you.

Publisher Harvey Brock, Editor Jennifer McBride and reporter Bryan Horwath

are on The Press Editorial Board.

Tags: opinion, editorial, bucyrus, editorials