The GI Joes and the Flame Thrower

By Davey Lee, Air/Rescue Fire Fighter, Ret.

Year: 1973.
Place: Alameda Naval Air Station, Alameda, Calif.

We got the alarm at about 1430. It was in the Navy Housing outside the base. We jumped on the tail board, hoseman, plugman and nozzleman and off we went. The smoke was coming from the housing. We got ready. As we rolled up the garage was fully involved and ready to take the west side of the house. Hose lines were layed from pumper 1 and pumper 2. Deck gun on pumper 2 was charged with three lines of 2 1/2 inch lines and began pumping. We hit the outside with three lines of 2 1/2 inch. The houses were saved. But the garage was dust. As we were mopping up we saw three kids on the lawn. They looked frightened. I walked over to them and asked them if they lived in the house. One said yes. I ask them if they knew how the fire started. They all turned white. I knew I had come upon the answer to how the fire got started. One kid asked, "If it was an accident, will we still get in trouble?" I said that would be up to their parents. Then they told me how the fire got started. The Capt. came over and so did the Fire Prevention Officer. This is how it went: They were in the garage playing GI Joe. One kid got an idea. "Let's get a flame thrower and wipe the enemy out." But where to get one? Dad's Bic Lighter. On full flame they went at the enemy. Now the soldiers were on fire. Instead of getting some water, they got their dad's flap jack turner and put the flaming soldiers in the plastic garbage can, closed the lid and off they went outside to spot for bombers from the enemy. Well, up the garage went in flames.