Chapter 29

The hotspot was on the outer edge of the burn zone, about ten miles beyond Beryl Junction, or about fifty miles out from Cedar City. Aaron knew that by the time they reached the location, the blaze would either be dead, or nearly out of control. Given the time, the wind, and the high temperatures, Aaron had the sinking feeling that the fire would still be burning. They rode side by side in the truck, both lost in their own thoughts as the old veteran, Bob Martin, raced down the rural roads, sirens howling in the growing dark.

The heavy smell of smoke overwhelmed Aaron long before he spotted the flames. The sun was still hovering over the horizon, but it wouldn’t be long until that disappeared, and with it any sense of safety. The flames were already high, but they looked to be contained. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking on Aaron’s part.