سودانايل أول صحيفة سودانية رقمية تصدر من الخرطوم
أخبار أخرى
Abdelmoneim A Alarabi, MD, PhD
United Kingdom
Last night, Wednesday 19th November 2025, my neighbours and I lived through every homeowner’s nightmare. On a bitterly cold, frosty evening, fire suddenly erupted at my next-door neighbour’s house.
The speed of the response was astounding. Within minutes, five fire engines and an ambulance were on the scene. We were all instructed to move a safe distance away. The fear was palpable , a chilling thought that the flames could explode and reach our own homes. My house, separated from my neighbour’s by only a driveway, felt terrifyingly vulnerable. I acted on instinct, moving my car immediately, not even grabbing a coat in the sudden chaos.
As we watched, huddled together, the fire crew worked with incredible precision and harmony. I learned it wasn’t just about pouring water; it was a highly technical operation. They donned protective gear, used specialized equipment, raised ladders, and set up bright lights—a dedicated, three-hour effort to defeat the blaze.
In the midst of the fear, the community shone. A very kind neighbour noticed me shivering and rushed to get a blanket, followed by her husband with a warm cup of tea. Another kind neighbour insisted I wait in his home until the all-clear. We were blessed that, in the end, all other houses were safe, including my own after a thorough inspection by the rescue team. My thanks to all of them.
This frightening experience taught me invaluable lessons. I realised how quickly danger can spread and how vital it is to know what to do. If you see smoke or fire at your own or a neighbour’s house, your house is in immediate danger. Panic is the enemy, but swift, decisive action is critical.
Here is a step-by-step guide, born collectively from this experience, on what to do.
PHASE 1: IMMEDIATE & URGENT ACTIONS (The First 2 Minutes)
GET EVERYONE OUT OF YOUR HOUSE. Don’t stop for valuables. Yell “FIRE! EVERYONE OUT!” and have a pre-determined meeting spot outside, like a mailbox or a tree across the street.
CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. Dial 999 (or 911).
· Be Calm and Clear: State your neighbour’s address is on fire.
· State the Danger: Say, “The fire is spreading and endangering my house at (Your Address).”
· Don’t Hang Up until the dispatcher has all the information.
ALERT YOUR NEIGHBOURS. If safe, quickly warn neighbours on the other side or downwind of the fire.
PHASE 2: ASSESS & MITIGATE (While Waiting for Firefighters)
Your goal is to create a defensive buffer and provide critical information.
Move Your Cars. Clear your driveway and the street to give fire engines unobstructed access.
Protect Your House from Embers. This is the way fires spread. Wind-blown embers can travel hundreds of feet.
· Wet Down Your House: If safe (no downed power lines, smoke not blowing at you), use a garden hose to wet the side of your house facing the fire, your roof, and any decks or fences. Safety first: do not do this if it puts you in danger.
· Close All Openings: Ensure all windows and doors are tightly closed to prevent embers from drifting inside.
Prepare to Evacuate Pets/Livestock. Get pets into carriers and be ready to leave if ordered.
Be an Information Source.
· Tell the first fire crew: “Everyone is out of my house,” and anything you know about the neighbour’s house or hazards (e.g., propane tanks).
Why Your House is in Greater Danger Than You Think
The danger isn’t just the flames you see.
Radiant Heat: Intense heat can shatter windows and ignite siding from a distance.
Flying Embers (Firebrands): Burning debris can land in gutters, on patios, or in shrubs, starting new fires.
Direct Flame Contact: If houses are close, flames can jump the gap.
Utilities: Damaged gas or power lines create explosion and electrocution risks.
What NOT To Do
· DO NOT enter your neighbour’s burning house.
· DO NOT stop to gather valuables.
· DO NOT block emergency vehicles.
· DO NOT ignore an official evacuation order. LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.
This was a nightmare scenario, but our calm response and the incredible work of the fire service prevented a catastrophic loss. Please, remember, your safety and your family’s safety come before everything else.
©Alarabi AA & Sudanile
