[Source](image generated with ai)
This incident occurred during my early teenage years , around December period, something happened in my village that I will never forget.
Everyone was preparing for the holiday, cooking, decorating, and expecting visitors. But in the middle of the joy, something terrible happened — a wildfire broke out.
It started like a small thing. Someone in a nearby farm was trying to burn weeds to clear land. Nobody knew the fire would spread so fast. The harmattan wind was very strong that day, and before anyone could understand what was going on, the fire had spread into nearby bushes and farms. In just a few hours, it was everywhere.
[Source](image generated with ai)
I can remember clearly seeing those thick smoke rising into the sky. People started shouting and running around. Some were trying to fetch water, others were using tree branches to beat the flames. My heart beat of my heart was so fast. I was scared because my uncle’s house was very close to the bush, and the fire was heading that way. Luckily, the men in the village came together and created a firebreak by clearing a wide line of dry grass so the fire couldn’t cross over.
Many people lost their farms. Crops that were supposed to be harvested for Christmas were burnt. Even some livestock ran away and never returned. It was a sad time. That Christmas was not like others. The celebration was quiet. There was food, but not as much as usual. Some families had to depend on neighbors for help.
the fire was something we never saw coming. Nobody expected it. But now, looking back, I believe it could have been avoided. People need to stop burning bushes during the dry season. It is too risky. proper fire safety plans, like watchtowers and warning bells is something villagers should have.
Let us not go far ,simple and little things like teaching children not to play with fire can save lives.
During the wildfire, what helped us most was staying calm and listening to the village elders. They guided us on what to do and where to run to. If you are ever caught in a wildfire, don’t try to fight it alone. Call for help, find a safe place away from trees and dry grass, and cover your nose and mouth from the smoke.
With thatt experience alone , i learnt that natural disasters can happen at any time. We must be prepared, act fast, and most importantly, help each other. Because with quick thinking and unity , lives can be saved Even when disaster strikes.
