Daria Osipova
It started with a spark. It ended with an unstoppable rage.
The fire was uncontrollable. It swept every bush, every tree, every house. With all the strength we had in us we ran. We ran and ran and ran, picking ourselves up by the collar if we slowed down. Within a few minutes we feared that the heat would fry us; the smoke would choke us and we’ll die.
Run. That’s all they said. Run and save yourselves.
I wished the firefighters came a second earlier. Maybe then they’d have some chance of stopping the flames that have already destroyed our town and were moving too fast down the hill. Too fast . All too fast .
I heard the horrible sound of a tree falling on my heels. I could have been knocked over. I’m fine. Like a wine glass being dropped onto the floor. I’m not hurt. It was a close call.
I run faster. I’m not at the very back anymore. I’ve outrun Mrs Murray, whom I’ve come to know as my History teacher. As much as I hate this subject I felt a little bad leaving her behind.
Another tree. I’m not fast enough. I felt glad to not be the last one anymore, or else I’d be completely crushed by now.
Mrs Murray .
I look back.
She’s there. I’m so relieved.
I run faster.
I’m pretty sure we’ve been running for at least 5 kilometers now. I’m deathly afraid that strength would fail me. I really regret not eating breakfast this morning.
We keep running. I’m almost at the front with the boys now. Their faces are red. Mine is probably redder.
A car. We’ve reached the road. There’s a car.
I push to the front. I need to get out. I need to get in the car and leave. I’m dying. I can’t run anymore.
A strong hand grips my shoulder, pushing me back. I whirl around. It’s George. He’s saying something, I can’t hear though. My ears are blocked. I feel like I’m falling.
Run .
That’s all I remember.
This year, Tasmania was practically on fire all summer. Bushfires are one of the big issues Australia is facing due to climate change. This story was written from the perspective of someone running from a bushfire. They narrowly escape their burning town and are running through the forest for many kilometers, constantly being threatened by the spreading fire catching up with them. Hopefully, this story will bring more light into how scary bushfires are, and how much of an impact they have on the people trying to survive them.
