Page 5 of His Fiery Mate

The other onlookers gasped and cheered as Tanner made his way towards her. He placed the little girl in her mother’s arms as she clutched her daughter, hope and gratitude gradually replacing the fear that had been etched in her face. Tanner smiled and stepped back, watching a group of reporters descend on them—part surrounding the mother and the other part around him. He looked over their heads, watching the emotional reunion between mother and child with a sense of deep satisfaction.

People and reporters shouted questions at him, and Tanner ignored them.

“What’s your name, son?” asked a man Tanner recognized as someone from the evening news.

“I’d like to ask him the same, Harry,” said a man in a fire department uniform decorated with numerous medals and a name badge: Chief Roland Ashford.

“Tanner North,” he said, shaking the chief’s extended hand.

“How’d you end up out here in just a pair of sweatpants and somebody get this man a blanket and something for his feet.”

“Thanks, Chief. My clothing caught on fire. Once I had the little girl, I saw a pair of sweatpants and pulled them on. I didn’t need to add to her trauma by having all my junk on display.”

The chief laughed. “Good thinking. Do you have a job, Tanner?”

“I work as a dishwasher over at the Black Bear Diner.”

The chief nodded. “Rick’s a good man to work for, but I think both you and my department would do better if you were one of us.”

“You offering him a job, Rollie?” asked the reporter.

“I am. Tanner here has shown his courage in preserving the life of a child with little regard for his own…” The chief was interrupted by the building giving a loud crack and then a groan as it began to collapse inwardly. “No doubt in my mind that little girl would have been lost. We may have to teach him a thing or two, but you can’t teach that kind of bravery and selflessness. What do you say, Tanner North, want to learn to be a fireman?”

Tanner could feel his grin spreading from ear to ear. “I can’t think of anything I’d like more.”

Thus had begun Tanner’s illustrious career with the Kodiak Fire Department. Time and time again, Tanner had been able to save the day by doing what others couldn’t do. At first it had been difficult to deflect the questions of both his superiors and the press, but when Chief Ashford had pointed out it didn’t really matter as he got results, everyone had backed off. The press had dubbed him ‘Smoke Warrior,’ the city’s firefighting hero, and had made him into a celebrity.

Present Day

Things were calm in the small firehouse in which Tanner served, but that usually meant all hell was about to break loose. Inside, the warmth of the crackling fireplace contrasted sharply with the frosty world outside. The irony of a firehouse having a working fireplace was not lost on those who served within it. The walls of the firehouse were adorned with memorabilia from past rescues and community events, creating a sense of camaraderie and history. Tanner was just sitting down at the communal table to enjoy his breakfast, when the ringing siren announced the end of the meal and the idyllic morning.

The firehouse’s radio crackled to life, interrupting the tranquil morning. "Engine 4, Ladder 2, respond to a residential fire at 102 Maple Avenue. Caller reports flames visible from the roof. Time is 07:32."

Tanner and the others sprang into action, clearing the table, dousing the fire in the fireplace, and ensuring the stove and ovens were turned off. The atmosphere shifted from relaxed to laser-focused. Each firefighter moved with practiced efficiency, donning their gear in record time. Heavy boots, fire-resistant pants, jackets, helmets, gloves—every piece of equipment was essential for their safety and the effectiveness of their response.

“Let’s move, team!” Tanner shouted, his voice steady and commanding. He might have been one of the youngest, but his prowess in fighting fires and saving lives—often at his own peril—was respected and even revered. He’d risen quickly through the ranks and held the position of lieutenant. His team included Jimmy, a rookie with a quick mind and strong resolve, and Mike, the fire engineer and driver of the truck. Mike’s job was not only to drive the fire engine but ensure the water pressure in the hoses was correct as well as ensure the stability of the truck itself. There were two other firefighters and Billy, the team’s paramedic, who drove his own truck. Billy was known for his calm demeanor under pressure.

They dashed into the garage, Mike heading for the driver’s side as Tanner hit the button that would roll up the garage doors to the firehouse. It almost seemed like the fire engine and ladder truck had heard the siren and been waiting for them. Mike climbed into the driver’s seat of the engine, while Jimmy and the two other members of the team secured themselves in the back. Tanner took his place in the passenger side of the engine’s enclosed cab. With lights flashing and sirens blaring, they roared out into the cold Alaskan morning.

As they navigated through the snowy streets, Tanner radioed dispatch for more details. “Dispatch, Engine 4 en route. Can you confirm the number of occupants?”

“Engine 4, caller reports two children and one adult trapped inside.”

Tanner’s heart rate quickened, but his mind remained clear. “Roger that. ETA less than two minutes.”

When they arrived at Maple Avenue, the scene was chaotic. Neighbors stood outside in their winter coats, watching in horror as flames licked the roof of a modest wooden house. Dark smoke billowed into the sky, creating a stark contrast against the white snow.

Tanner and his team jumped out of the engine, immediately assessing the situation. “Jimmy, you’re with me, grab the ladder and get it set up. You will follow me inside. Mike, secure the engine and make sure we’ve got enough water and pressure.” Tanner shook his head. “Sorry. You don’t need me to tell you your job.” Mike grinned. “Billy, prepare for medical assistance. You two get the hose ready and start dousing the outside of the house. Mike…”

“I know, make sure I can get the engine ladder ready in case you need to go in from the roof.”

It was Tanner’s turn to grin. He had a top-notch team.

Tanner approached a distraught woman standing nearby. “Ma’am, do you have any idea where the people inside might be?”

She pointed frantically. “Maryann would have gone for her boys. Their bedroom is upstairs in the back. Please, hurry!”

Without hesitation, Tanner turned to see Jimmy had set up the ladder to reach the second-floor window in the front while the other firefighters cordoned off the area and directed a powerful stream of water at the flames. Tanner could feel the intense heat but knew the fire-resistant gear would keep the worst of it at bay and his team safe.

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