Recently our son told us about a monthly Bingo session in his village in aid of the Fire Service, who apparently organise the evening, call out the numbers, and provide free refreshments.  Half of the proceeds go to the Fire Service, and the other half is given out as prize money.  We went along last night to support the service, but there was a problem as all the firemen were out on a ‘shout’.  A huge fire had started in town about 5pm, and a couple of the villagers had to take over.

Apparently the ‘shout’ was to a large cycle shop in our local town, which was ablaze.  When we went into town today we had to drive past the shop to get to the car park.  Police had cordoned off the front of the shop, guarding thousands of pounds worth of blackened cycles which were out on the pavement.  All the windows were out, and the inside of the shop was ruined.  Forensics were already on the scene, and a large crowd of onlookers had gathered.

I couldn’t help but wonder about what it was in the cycle shop that had originally caught light, and why the fire had started around closing time.  Could it have been that a member of staff left a kettle boiling that didn’t turn itself off?  Could it have been a fridge fire such as the one in Grenfell Tower?  What happens now about the staff who work there?  Do they still get paid while the shop is being refurbished?

Fires happen so quickly, and are soon out of control.  Our son and daughter-in-law were luckily out of the house when their dishwasher caught fire a few years ago.  The smoke and flames ruined the entire house, and they were left with only the clothes they were wearing.  The insurance company paid for the house to be redecorated, but they were in temporary accommodation for months.

With the Christmas shopping season fast approaching, the owner of the shop has now lost the opportunity to boost his yearly income.  One small mistake, for example not turning off an electrical appliance, can have devastating consequences.  My son and his family rebuilt their lives, and doubtless the cycle shop owner will have to do the same, but  I always think of Isak Dinesen’s words when she said ‘God made the world round, so we would never be able to see too far down the road.’   Perhaps it’s just as well that we do not – the results might be too alarming.

Would you have liked to know in advance how your life would be mapped out? I think I’d rather live in ignorance – it’s better not to know!