This is unusual for us - an arson investigation! Some excitement around these parts.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-2fire.6336957mar31,0,7451413.story

"An explosion at a strip mall that rocked homes nearly a mile away set off a fire that gutted five businesses in Nockamixon Township early Sunday morning, fire officials said."

Let me tell ya - an auto parts store makes for some SPECTACULAR fire and smoke.

There wasn't a chance of stopping it,- it was a hell of a burn - we mostly stood around and let the ladders and master streams handle what we could. No exposures to speak of, just the 5 businesses.

Thanks for helping your neighbors and we are glad nobody was injured.

If it is arson can the "eye for an eye" principle be used?

Martin, sounds like your fellow fighters and yourself did a good job. I think the firefighters had a wonderful attitude: "I tried to thank them, but they didn't think it was a big deal."

That's the Ottsville crew station 49. We're "next due" in that it wasn't in our local response areas. Ottsville station 49 folks did all the real work while I ate an egg sandwich and rolled hose!

But I do think he mistook their lack of any measurable communications skills for modesty. I say that knowing full well that the guys at Ottsville are pretty darn great and can handle a good ribbing. And also because I want them to let me climb their ladder again one day - here is is in service at the end of the call: