Model Composition (Fire)

Tom was alone at home having a nap when he was awakened by a strong smell of smoke. He sprang out of bed and ran to see what was happening. Looking up, he saw a reddish glow in a distance. Without hesitation, he sprinted as fast as his legs could carry him to the scene.

          Turning the corner, Tom stared at the scene that greeted his eyes. One of the units of flat was engulfed in thick, choking smoke! Black smoke was bellowing from the burning flat. As the flame rose higher, Tom found himself gasping for fresh air. His eyes were smarting and nostrils burning from the acid smoke. Tom’s feet were rooted to the ground as his mouth was agape in horror. For a moment, his mind went blank. The roar of the fire shook him out of his daze. He quickly whipped out his mobile phone and dialled for the fire brigade and the police. By then, a few other passers-by had gathered around the scene. They all stared blankly at the burning inferno. The blazing hot golden flames engulfed everything in its path. After a few minutes, the fire shot up to three storeys high. Thick black and fluffy columns of smoke billowed out of the windows.

          “Help!” An ear-busting scream echoed through the air. It was just then that Tom realized an old woman was trapped in the blazing flat. Tears were streaming down from her face as she trembled like a leaf. Tom’s face turned as pale as a sheet when he saw her. The fire was too intense for him to save her so all he could do was wait helplessly.

          In the nick of time, the fire brigade arrived. The Singapore Civil Defence Force(SCDF) evacuated the occupants of nearby flats safely. The police quickly cordoned off the area while the firemen in shiny suits put up the hydraulic ladder. The firemen took out long snake-like hoses and sprayed water at the raging flames. Four other firemen had already set up a safety net and were encouraging the old woman to slowly climb out of the window. One of the firemen climbed up like a skilful monkey and coaxed the old woman into the safety platform. Tom held his breath throughout the entire episode.

          A loud cheer rang out when the old woman was brought to safety. Tom heaved a sigh of relief that she appeared to be in good health. Finally, the fire-fighters managed to bring the raging fire under control. The fire was gradually reduced to smouldering embers. The sooty-faced survivor, the old woman, looked wistfully at the charred remains of her home. Tom later found out that the fire was set by some pranksters who were playing with matches. He was glad that nobody was injured during this accident. Fire was indeed a good servant but a bad master!