Duty called

To all our firies, five of whom died in 1998 at Linton, Victoria. Firemen are alerted “Linton is on fire”, They answer the call as flames leapt higher. From all points of the compass they came, Geelong West and others arrive, feeling the same. The fire roars on, shooting flames and hot ashes fall, It smoulders, flares, caught by the wind, the undergrowth roars. Flames dance, ignite and race with a new energy core, Smoke blinds, you fight on as a team and give your all. The fire roars, smoke swirls, crashing trees surround, Onward they fight, to the truck they are bound. They have no idea of the hand that fate has dealt, They just know the heat is enough to make you melt. No one knows what these brave folk felt, They just battle the heat, danger, with hot ashes falling. They know others are in danger, when the fire was dealt, So risking their lives, they do their duty and answer their calling. Nature shows no mercy as the brave souls die, She takes them from loved ones in one swift pyre. Five families, friends and mates are left to mourn, As another new day slowly starts at dawn. Matthew, Chris, Stuart, Jason and Garry, Our gratitude and pride will never cease. Heroes to all, rest in peace.