Chapter 99

Chapter 99Wildfire(8)

At the same time, at the command center.

Jeong-woo sat down on one side of the parking lot, feeling exhausted.

Everything had been burned to a crisp.

Except for the time he had lunch with the pilot, eating a hamburger, he had spent a staggering 10 hours in the helicopter and at the fueling station.

His ears felt stuffy, and as he sat on the ground, he could sense the vibrations of the helicopter. Now, even the effects of caffeine seemed to have worn off, and sleep was creeping in.

Ugh, Im dying.

Ring.

A call came in, and when he picked up the phone, it was Yoon Yi-seol.

Yes, Ms. Yi-seol.

-The manager saw you on a JBN breaking news video. Are you in the wildfire area in Goseong?

Jeong-woo shared the same story he told his mother and Soo-chan earlier in the morning with Yoon Yi-seol.

Its for work. Its not dangerous. The situation is almost over.

-Is the researcher shown in the media you, Jeong-woo?

I dont know. I havent had a chance to watch the news.

-They say there are almost 100 injured. Dont get hurt. Ill be mad.

Remembering what he went through when she got mad, Jeong-woo chuckled before responding.

Even if that happens, Ill just take the scolding. Dont do anything else.

-Dont do anything Ugh. You made it worse. And I called because I miss you, so dont hang up. Lets talk for another 5 minutes. If I get sick, youll be the one to blame.

Her laughter was contagious. As they talked, Jeong-woo, who had been tired, found a sudden burst of energy.

If Yi-seol sings a song next, I feel like all my fatigue will disappear.

After ending the call, Jeong-woo, who had been resting for a while, was approached by others in a similar state.

Team leader, Mr. Pil-du.

It was the members of Rescue Team 1.

In this area, it was hard to find someone not in such a condition. Even journalists broadcasting 24 hours a day were scattered and sitting in various places.

Kim Jae-ho stood in front of Jeong-woo and asked.

We have some cup noodles. Would you like to join us?

Sure, sounds good.

Nine men gathered around cups of ramen with water, chatting amicably.

Every time we go on a rescue mission, the firefighters we know always talk about Mr. Jeong-woo.

Really?

They say youre much better than Captain Ma. Complaints circulate that with only muscles instead of brain, he assigns tasks crudely. I honestly agree. While other teams get rotating shifts, were directly under him, and its always to the most challenging places.

At these words, Jeong-woo turned his head towards the command center tent. If Captain Ma had heard, the veteran firefighter who had steadfastly survived in any disaster situation would be in danger for a different reason.

I heard youre quite popular with that school friend. Maybe

No, nothing like that.

But you do have a girlfriend, right?

Jeong-woo chuckled and evaded the question.

During the time it took for the ramen to cook, they shared stories about the incidents and accidents that occurred between last night and today.

A sense of camaraderie emerged from facing life and death together. Jeong-woo found this feeling not unpleasant.

It was about two minutes after pouring hot water when the command center tent suddenly opened, and Miles stuck his head out.

Jae-ho! There are isolated individuals to the north! Since the terrain is rough, dispatch on a rescue helicopter!

Upon this command, all members of Rescue Team 1 put down their chopsticks. It was an absolute jinx circulating among firefighters. A rescue request always comes when the ramen is cooked.

Oh no.

Kim Jae-ho, who noticed Jeong-woos gaze, smiled wryly and said.

Well be back before the ramen is cooked. Secure the survivors safely.

Take care and come back safely.

After the rescue team left, Miles approached Jeong-woo with a bitter smile.

Our leader of the rescue operation. Lets have a drink when we get back to Seoul.

What position do you have this time? Are you still in charge of the chemicals?

Hehe.

With a gentle gaze, Miles asked seriously.

What miracle brought you down from the heavens?

What?

Chiik.

-Captain Ma! To the command center!

With an urgent radio message, Miles expression changed.

Sensing the seriousness of the situation, Jeong-woo quickly left his cup of ramen and rushed to the command center.

Is the fire spreading?

Jeong-woo turned his gaze to the section marked on the topographic map.

The newly reported fire was a location where the fire slowly gathered along the cliff and suddenly exploded into an uncontrollable blaze.

If the response was even slightly delayed, it could turn into a massive fire like the one from last night. Moreover, right next to it were densely populated areas with pensions, ski resorts, and an elementary school.

Miles ordered the deployment of helicopters and summoned all available firefighters.

Chiik.

-Sorry, we dont have the capacity.

At Miles call, Jeong-woo, who had been dozing off, abruptly opened his eyes.

Oh! Is it an emergency deployment?

Wearing a Beware of wildfires hat, Jeong-woo jumped up.

Your job is done now. Go back and rest.

Oh, you surprised me. Is it finally over?

Looking unbelieving, Jeong-woo scratched his head. Miles nodded respectfully.

Im really thankful that you were here at this scene. You fought alongside us like a firefighter, even though youre not one.

Seeing Jeong-woo, who seemed taken aback, Miles bowed his head.

Dont say that. We all went through it together.

Oh Sun-yong also approached Jeong-woo, extending his hand.

If Han Jeong-woo were at the Forest Service, every spring would be a joyful time. Thank you for being a great help in tackling the fire.

Oh Not at all.

As the warm atmosphere continued, Jeong-woo quickly bid them farewell and left.

Woosh

Jeong-woo, sitting in the back seat of the firefighting command vehicle heading towards Seoul, cast his gaze outside, observing the scenery.

The traces left behind by the raging flames swept through the majestic mountain ranges and fields. However, the sky above was as clear and blue as the East Sea he saw yesterday.

On the opposite side of Mt. Maebong, where he had sent the marten, the forest remained with the same circular pattern of trees. If spring rain falls and nurtures the sprouts, the forest will once again become a haven.

As the car moved along the road, they passed by a tent labeled Wildlife Rescue Camp.

Its Eun-sil.

Inside the open tent, examining a young mountain goat with traces of soot from the fire, Jeong-woo admired her focus and thought, How cool is that?

Wildfire.

This disaster endangered not only humans and trees but also the animals living in that area.

Why did I help so diligently?

The sense of duty couldnt be so profound. Why did he endure 36 hours here, sacrificing his comfort and luxury?

I dont know. Nature and humans. As long as everyone is safe, thats enough.

Yawning loudly and stretching his stiff arms and legs, he vividly remembered something he longed for.

The canned beer he hadnt had a chance to enjoy, drawn to this place.

Imagining taking a refreshing sip, Jeong-woo buried himself in the seat.

Insomnia sucks.

As soon as he closed his eyes, sleep poured over him.

Interview: Yoon

Han Jeong-woo Hes the best chemist I know.

-How did you learn about the fact that a special feature article is being prepared?

Dear reporter, observing him and not writing an article about him is an insult to him.

-What kind of connection do you have with him?

A very close~ relationship. If I had been a bit faster, he could have been mine. This is still top-secret, but Im planning a huge project for him. A next-level total care system. This will be an amazing collaboration project

(Professional discussions went on for a while.)

-You requested anonymity, but is it okay to disclose this information?

Please edit it appropriately. Emphasize that someone is paying a lot of attention. Well then, the interview ends here. Wow! I want him, Han Jeong-woo!

The damage from the wildfire was minimal. An announcement from the Korea Forest Service stated that it would take about 30 years for the forest in Mt. Maebong area to be fully restored.

However, on that day, those who tirelessly ran in the opposite direction of everyone fleeing the wildfire rescuing all life they could find. Now, they can witness the long process of this forest being restored, having survived to see it all.

As Seong Ra-il, typed away, he turned his head to see the dawn sky outside the window stretching.

After pressing the save button, he got up from his seat.

Returning with coffee, he picked up the photo he had printed a few hours ago from the printer.

Because so much was captured in one frame, the scene when he took this photo became vivid in his mind again. It was a sight that had left a deeper impression on him than any story he had covered in his eight years as a journalist.

Underneath the smoky night sky, the mountain engulfed by the wildfire and the blackened pine trees at the foot were visible.

On the left, there were the rescue seekers trembling to avoid the approaching flames, and on the right, a rescue team member facing the flickering flames from a position ready to protect them.

And then.

In the midst of the desperate flames, the one holding the center of the group appeared when burning branches fell incessantly from above.

-Itll be over soon.

Pointing towards a woman in a firefighting suit, he calmly explained, through gestures and words, that this place was not to be feared.

His smile, reassuring his anxious friend, was truly bright and tender.

After a brief rest, Seong Ra-il, who had placed the photo next to his laptop, began the final typing.

when asked for an interview, he politely declined, saying he simply doesnt have the time.

He also stated that he is not a special person. He did what any of the other five thousand ordinary people deployed for this task would have done.

When asked about what he would do after leaving the scene he answered with a shower, a can of beer, and sleep.

A regular person who became family to some, a friend to others, and a savior to a few.

Han Jeong-woo.

He is a chemist.

-On-site reportage Wildfire, Dongmyeong Ilbo, Reporter Seong Ra-il.

code: Molecular Formula

case: Wildfire Suppression Megaton Flame Retardant

research: Developed at the end of March for a large wildfire near Goseong, the exposed chemical instantly coagulates moisture, exerting a physically powerful force.

feedback: There is a potential for misunderstanding it as an act of war when used near ceasefire lines.