On May 29 I had the (thankfully) rare opportunity to witness firefighters from nine communities battle a stubborn, chemically fed fire across the street from my Norway office. The following day I was left with several impressions.

The one I’m sure that will last the longest is of the volunteers – men and women from nine communities – whose skill, dedication and bravery prevented what could have been a far greater disaster.

Needless to say, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the many whose selfless community spirit was so evident.

Richard Hooper, South Paris