The ranger pointed to the crown fire, which was spreading from tree to tree fairly rapidly. “Only thing to do is get out of here. We don’t want to get caught if this thing really takes off. There’s a firebreak about one mile back, where we can wait for reinforcements.”
He glanced up at the sky, and for the first time Sandy was aware that a helicopter and a small observation plane were circling the area. “They should be rallying a gang up there within a few hours,” Dick said.
“What’s a firebreak, Dick?” Quiz asked.
“A king-sized fire line similar to the one we made. It can be anywhere from ten feet to a hundred feet wide. Nowadays critical areas are interlaced with firebreaks, just in case. The one we’re heading for is a road really; the idea is to take advantage of natural defenses as much as possible when planning firebreaks—roads, rivers, clearings, railroad right of ways.”
As they followed the ranger at a slow trot in the direction of the road, Prince leaped out from behind a bush and fell in beside Russ.
“I was beginning to wonder what had happened to him,” Sandy said.
“Animals are deathly afraid of fire,” Russ said. “I’m surprised he isn’t on his way back to Red Lake.”
Jerry snorted. “Some hero! And I thought dogs were supposed to be fearless.”
Russ looked at Jerry solemnly. “Only fools are fearless. I can tell you I’m plenty scared right now—for more reasons than one.”