Teen Volunteer Firefighters Brave Largest Wildfire in Texas History
In the face of the largest wildfire in Texas history, a group of dedicated teenage volunteer firefighters from the town of Pampa stepped up to the challenge. These brave young individuals, ranging in age from 14 to 17, joined forces with experienced adult firefighters to combat the raging inferno that threatened their community. Their selflessness and determination serve as an inspiration to us all.
Nathan Slater, a 15-year-old junior volunteer firefighter with the Hoover Volunteer Fire Department, wasted no time in responding to the call. After his classes were postponed due to the fires, Nathan immediately knew where he needed to be. “It was my first fire to go onto. I was excited and nervous at the same time,” Nathan admitted. His enthusiasm and bravery set the tone for the rest of the junior brigade.
Upon arriving at the station, Nathan discovered that he wasn’t alone in his desire to help. Nine other teenage volunteers had also answered the call to action. Together, they were deployed alongside experienced firefighters to battle the wildfires that forced the evacuation of several homes in Pampa. With their supervisors guiding them, these young heroes took on various tasks, from providing water and supplies to their fellow firefighters in the field to hosing down the fires and heated grass.
The magnitude of the wildfire was staggering. As of March 1, the Smokehouse Creek Fire had consumed more than a million acres in Texas and 25,000 acres in Oklahoma, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. However, these courageous teenagers refused to back down. Gage Hardman, another 15-year-old volunteer firefighter, worked tirelessly for three consecutive days, even late into the early morning hours, to help extinguish the flames. Gage admitted feeling fear as he got closer to the smoke and fire, but he also experienced an adrenaline rush as he fought alongside his comrades. “Once you get used to it, it wasn’t scary,” Gage confessed. With a mindset focused on pushing through the challenges, he found the strength to persevere.
Ensuring the safety of the junior firefighters was of utmost importance to their superior officers. Kade Preston, a 17-year-old member of the brigade, emphasized the care taken to protect each individual. Moreover, the teenagers themselves looked out for one another during their shifts, checking on each other’s well-being and offering support. This camaraderie alleviated some of the nerves and provided comfort in knowing they were not alone in the fight.
For the parents of these young heroes, the experience was a mix of fear and pride. Christie Slater, Nathan’s mother, tearfully recounted the moment she dropped off her son at the station and when he returned from his shift. It took time for her to fully grasp the gravity of his actions. “It takes a bit to realize what your baby’s actually doing when he’s out there fighting those fires,” she confessed. Nathan himself couldn’t help but think of his family’s safety while battling the blaze. Despite the heart-wrenching moments, he found solace in knowing that his parents were safe, and he had the support of his fellow firefighters.
Heather Hardman, Gage’s mother, expressed immense pride in her son’s courage and dedication to helping others. She recognized the positive influence of the remarkable men he worked alongside and viewed this experience as an opportunity for Gage to shape his future path. Heather urged parents to support their children’s aspirations and let them showcase their potential. In a world that often highlights negativity and despair, these young firefighters are a beacon of hope, reminding us that there is still goodness and resilience in our youth.
Many of these junior firefighters joined the effort because they wanted to stay out of trouble and find something meaningful to do. Their experience battling the wildfires has sparked a desire to contribute further to the firehouse and explore the possibility of a career as a first responder. As the wildfires continue to spread and more parts of the Texas panhandle face destruction, these boys hope that their unwavering dedication, camaraderie, and spirit will inspire others to lend a helping hand during dark times. Nathan perfectly encapsulated the essence of their mission, stating, “I believe it says that there’s still good people.” Indeed, these young heroes have proven that even in the face of adversity, the strength of the human spirit shines through.
