spark it up....the 911 call

I thought about just putting up the title of my post and letting ya'll guess what in the world went on????  But, nah!  That ain't cool. 

And neither is the fact that I had to place a call into 911 last night.  Seriously.  We were only three days - 3 DAYS - into the New Year.....I hope this isn't a sign of what's to come....

Yep.  That was basically the scene near my house last night.

I live on a cul-de-sac, that backs up to an empty alleyway.  And it was up.in.flames last night.

I was getting ready to throw Layla in the bath around 7 p.m. and I hear: 

Richard:  "Mel, look out the window up there....is that a fire?"

Me:  "A fire???!!!"  {as I peered out the window...}

Me:  "Oh.my.GOD!  Yes!  Yes!  Yes, it's a fire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" {running down the stairs, Layla in tow}

Richard:  {silence....across the street knocking on our neighbors homes to alert them}

Me:  "Oh my God....I have to call 911!"

Layla:  "Mommy, there is an emergency?"

Me:  "Yes, honey.  Stay right there..."

It was insanity.  I couldn't believe it was happening. 

Even though we live less than a mile from the nearest fire department, it took those fools way too long to get there.  And apparently, I was not the first person to call.  I don't get that.  At.ALL!!!!!

In the end, all was well.  Richard and a neighbor basically put the flames out with water hoses.  And the fire department took it over from there. 

Now....I am pretty sure I know what started the fire.  Considering we heard lots of POP, BOOM, BANGS before {thankfully} Richard was being nosey and looking out our front windows...

{culprit.  That, plus some irresponsible kids!}

I really hope things calm down from here.  I don't want this year to go UP IN FLAMES!!!!  Please tell me that was not my sign.....