One day, as I was returning from the playground, I saw a house on fire on the way. I rushed towards the burning house. When I reached there, I saw many people outside the house. Some of them were pouring buckets of water on the fire while others were throwing sand and dust. It was a horrible sight.
The house was a double-storey one. Some of the inmates of the house were in the rooms on the first floor. They were crying as they were surrounded by the flames. The fire was spreading. Some of the inmates came out of the hose with burns and injuries. But those, who were on the top floor, could not get out.
In the meanwhile, the fire brigade arrived. The staff of the fire brigade fought bravely with the fierce flames. Water pipes were laid and the fire brigade officials made an effort to control the fire. One of the officials set a staircase that led to the windows of the upper storey. He took a great risk. He brought out the inmates and came down through the stairs amidst flames. The moment he got down along with two inmates, he fell down unconscious. The inmates whom he had rescued had severe burn injuries. They were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital.
The fire did a great damage to the house. The fire brigade brought the fire under control after one hour of valiant efforts. When the flames were controlled, the house was found to be badly damaged. All the wooden materials were reduced to ashes. The kitchen, from where the fire had started, presented a dismal picture.
But thank God! There was no loss of human life. After enquiry, it was found that the bursting of gas cylinder in the kitchen was the cause of fire. After a few days, the sufferers were given compensation by the municipal authority.
Vocabulary
Dismal—miserable
Inmates—occupants of an institute
