Little Shubunkin

Describe a risk you took that you do not regret.

I once worked for a security firm. I was based at a computer factory where most of the night-shift workers slept in an upstairs canteen. Below was a cloakroom where people used to smoke cigarettes.

One night, I was alerted to a fire in the cloakroom. I had a look. The fire had started in a wastebasket and flames were up to the ceiling. I radioed for the alarm to be sounded, but none was. I radioed again, and still no alarm.

I looked for a fire extinguisher and grabbed one off the wall. I took it into the burning room and emptied it on the fire. Then I went out and found another fire extinguisher and put out the fire.

By the time the fire brigade arrived, there was little for them to do.

The man who failed to sound the alarm said he was worried that it was a false alarm. He quit his employment the following day.

I guess I was in the right place at the right time. And I feel quite proud (in a good way) that I was able to help.