Chemistry

13. Wildfire(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, I’m 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.

“It’s for work. It’s not dangerous. The situation is almost over.”

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

“I don’t know. I haven’t had a chance to watch the news.”

-They say there are almost 100 injured. Don’t get hurt. I’ll be mad.

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

“Even if that happens, I’ll just take the scolding. Don’t do anything else.”

-Don’t do anything… Ugh. You made it worse. And I called because I miss you, so don’t hang up. Let’s talk for another 5 minutes. If I get sick, you’ll 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 you’re 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, we’re directly under him, and it’s 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 you’re 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-woo’s gaze, smiled wryly and said.

“We’ll 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. Let’s 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 don’t have the capacity.

-We’re in the same situation.

-Captain Ma, do we have any relief personnel available?

Firefighters who had been active for 18 hours were grappling with fatigue and overlapping problems. The response from the firefighting commanders, who were already struggling to assist with the existing wildfire suppression, was almost non-existent.

There were only one or two places that could be spared.

Miles, who was contemplating, decided to redirect the situation by urgently deploying around 50 firefighters who had been reserved as rescue personnel.

‘If we had some of KG Chemical’s chemical left, it could have been somewhat helpful.’

Regretting the lack of resources, Miles observed the situation. Meanwhile, Jeong-woo’s phone rang.

‘Huh? Why is this person…?’

Jeong-woo moved to a corner of the tent and pressed the answer button.

“Director Yoon Jaegil?”

-Oh, Jeong-woo. It’s been a while.

“How can I help you?”

-KG Chemical is making such an impact. We, as the same chemical supplier, can’t just sit idly by, can we? I’ve sent Park Il-seong’s team, so Han Jeong-woo, the field manager, please make good use of it. He should be in the external parking lot now.

News of Yujin Chemical’s supply was a welcome development.

After ending the call, Jeong-woo quickly scanned the forest resource situation that Professor Son had analyzed before approaching Miles.

“Captain Ma.”

Miles, who was on the radio, turned his head.

“For the personnel to be deployed, please tell them to bring my powder chemical instead of the supplied one. Give me about 20 minutes, no, 10 minutes, and I’ll prepare a fire retardant tailored to the wildfire outbreak area.”

Jeong-woo rushed out of the tent swiftly.

“Team Leader Park!”

Park Il-seong stepped down from the truck adorned with Yujin Chemical’s logo. Glancing at Jeong-woo’s condition as he approached, Park Il-seong clicked his tongue.

“Captain Ma, what on earth are you having this guy do?”

“Well, there were a few things.”

Jeong-woo, who had spent a day in the wildfire area, looked like a firefighter who had engaged in fierce battles.

“Heh, you’ve become a firefighter.”

Jeong-woo lightly brushed off Park Il-seong’s lament and pointed to the truck.

“Please open the warehouse. We need to release the chemical quickly.”

“Got it.”

As Jeong-woo selected the boxes of chemicals by type and continued to bring them out, Park Il-seong approached and asked.

“Are you not just releasing it, but planning to further improve it here? Our mobile research lab hasn’t arrived. It’s not available domestically right now.”

“I’m just going to mix it a bit, so you don’t need to worry about it.”

As Jeong-woo opened the boxes, a glint appeared and disappeared in his eyes.

Park Il-seong observed Jeong-woo, who started the mixing process with just a shovel, with a sense of wonder.

Chiik.

-We’re approaching from the north side of Masan.

Miles, who was receiving reports from the members who were dispatched for initial suppression, examined the topographic map and spoke.

“The road next to the farm there is the fastest route. The first team to arrive should assess the fire situation and report.”

Chiik.

-It’s more serious than expected. Dozens of ignition points within a 1 km radius. I’m not sure if we can suppress it with just these personnel.

Upon hearing this report, Miles’ gaze turned towards Jeong-woo.

A fire that persisted for an additional 10 minutes due to a 10-minute delay in departure. However, Jeong-woo’s judgments, as demonstrated yesterday and today, were always correct. Those 10 minutes must have been worthwhile.

Miles, holded the radio.

“Hey, guys. The chemicals you’re carrying on your backs is top-notch. Heard about the early morning bomb story by the KG Chemical expert, right? Have confidence, and let’s crush all these damn wildfires!”

Chiik.

-The first team is heading out to control the fire.

“Now you’re a chemical expert, huh? Came full circle in the end. Phew.”

In response to Jeong-woo’s comment, Shin Jong-seok, who was checking the situation of the injured, burst into a chuckle.

《Interview: Shin Jong-seok》

-How was he in the situation room?

“Can I be honest? Despite being the emergency rescue control officer, I couldn’t help but be amazed. It was around 1AM, I think? When he suggested injecting a special formula, only Captain Ma paid attention. But then, bam! Did you see the news too? Without the special formula he came up with, the eastern containment line would have been breached.”

-It was mentioned that he was also involved in the daytime residual fire suppression operation.

“Involved? No. He led it. Was he good? Let me put it this way – by evening, he had gained deep trust from almost all the site managers. In the midst of a serious situation, he became a ray of hope, you could say. Chemists are truly amazing, aren’t they? I don’t believe chemistry is omnipotent in firefighting, but he kept making me think otherwise.”

「11:03 AM – Those who survived」

Twelve hours had passed since the last report on the massive fire. Miles surveyed each person inside the command center carefully from the central table.

“As of now, the Special Operations Site Commander is transferring all authority to the Forest Service.”

An official declaration that the disaster level had dropped brought a collective sigh of relief from everyone in the situation room.

Shin Jong-seok spoke up as well.

“Final report from the Emergency Rescue Control Officer. Two critically injured individuals sent to Seoul have been safely treated. No new injuries have been reported on the scene for the past twelve hours.”

[Deceased: 0 Injured: 81]

Records of victims from the last two days.

Miles walked up to the situation board and pointed at the 0 under “Deceased” with his finger.

“In my 13 years as a firefighter, I’ve never seen a disaster scene where no one died despite injuries. Oh Seon-yong, you’ll be in charge of the long and tedious remaining fire suppression. Please keep this number frozen here.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“…Jeong-woo.”

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.

“I’m really thankful that you were here at this scene. You fought alongside us like a firefighter, even though you’re not one.”

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

“Don’t 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.’

‘It’s 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 couldn’t be so profound. Why did he endure 36 hours here, sacrificing his comfort and luxury?

“I don’t know. Nature and humans. As long as everyone is safe, that’s enough.”

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

The canned beer he hadn’t 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… He’s 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 I’m 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.

-It’ll 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 doesn’t 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.