127: life first

After two days and two nights of concerted effort, the wildfire was contained within a certain area.

On one of the four sides of the wildfire site, there was a cliff, which naturally blocked the fire.

On the other two sides, firebreaks had already been dug, and people were stationed there to guard against any contingencies.

Only one side remained; as long as a firebreak was dug, the wildfire could be contained within this area.

Wang Yong proposed digging the final firebreak at a distance of 500 meters from the fire source.

Lin Zifeng felt it wasn't safe enough and immediately ordered the existing firebreaks on both sides to be extended, digging the final firebreak over 1,000 meters away.

He preferred to spend more time and effort to ensure operations were conducted under safe conditions.

Just then, a relatively small figure suddenly appeared before him, thrusting a microphone toward him, followed by a cameraman carrying a video camera.

"Hello, may I ask your name? What is your position? You look quite young. To be so reckless and just give up such a large area of forest—can you take responsibility for that?"

At this moment, after such a long battle, Lin Zifeng was covered in dirt from head to toe, his face so smeared with grime that his original appearance was unrecognizable.

Unless someone was very familiar with him, they wouldn't have been able to recognize him at all.

That was why Reporter Wang Ziyan, the star anchor of the Provincial TV Station who had rushed over from the provincial capital upon receiving the news, had asked such a question.

Lin Zifeng was taken aback; he hadn't expected reporters to be here.

He frowned, then looked at Wang Yong and said, "Organize people to implement this immediately."

Wang Yong agreed and left. Lin Zifeng then turned to the attractive Wang Ziyan and said, "I am Lin Zifeng, deputy secretary of the county party committee of Yushu County, and also the leader of this wildfire fighting leading group. I cannot agree with what you just said.

How is it reckless? In my opinion, no amount of forest land is more important than the safety of the firefighting personnel.

No amount of forest land can compare to a human life. To me, life comes first.

I must ensure the absolute safety of our firefighting personnel.

If you want to interview the firefighting personnel about their touching stories, we welcome it. If you had come earlier, you would have seen the women of Gangou Township preparing meals at home and spontaneously bringing them up the mountain.

Many of the villagers here also came to fight the fire spontaneously and haven't rested for two days and two nights.

But if you try to interfere with my command, please stay away from me."

After saying this, Lin Zifeng didn't hesitate at all; he picked up his shovel and walked downwards.

Wang Ziyan was stunned. She couldn't help but think that this person looked no more than thirty years old. She had previously guessed that he was just a Cadre from the township.

She hadn't expected that he was actually the Deputy Secretary of Yushu County and the leader of the wildfire fighting leading group.

However, this person had quite a temper! She had only asked a casual question, and his reaction was so strong.

"Tell me to stay away from him? As the star anchor of the Huanan Province Provincial TV Station, I have never heard such words from anyone in the past twenty-five years."

Thinking of this, Wang Ziyan chased after him, feeling unconvinced. As she ran, she shouted, "Secretary Lin, right? Wait a moment."

Lin Zifeng stopped and waited for Wang Ziyan to catch up, then said with some displeasure, "Is there anything else?"

"Secretary Lin, I am a reporter from the Provincial TV Station. My name is Wang Ziyan."

She introduced herself first, then continued, "Secretary Lin, I also agree with your statement that life comes first.

But when conditions permit, shouldn't we try our best to protect the forest land?"

"Many of our heroes suffered casualties precisely because of such thinking.

I decided to extend the firebreak by 500 meters precisely because I don't want to see such contingencies.

If the forest is burned, it can grow back slowly. If an accident happens, no one has the ability to bring the dead back to life."

He expressed his inner thoughts.

"Do you not approve of the actions of those heroes?"

Wang Ziyan was a bit angry at his attitude just now, so the question she asked was very tricky.

"Reporter Wang, please do not twist the concept. I have great respect for those heroes, especially those who sacrificed themselves to save others; they are worthy of being remembered by everyone forever.

The country needs heroes, our nation needs heroes, and our great nation has always produced heroes generation after generation.

But in the current situation, it is entirely possible to achieve zero casualties. As the on-site commander, shouldn't I avoid accidents?"

In my heart, a piece of forest land is not worth taking any risks for.

Because the emergence of heroes is often accompanied by the tears of their loved ones.

Please do not follow me anymore, Reporter Wang, otherwise it will affect my work."

Wang Ziyan was left speechless by his words. Watching his retreating figure, she didn't chase after him again, thinking to herself that this young Deputy Secretary had a clear train of thought and his own way of governing—he was quite interesting.

Another day and night passed, and the wildfire was completely contained; the open flames had all been extinguished.

Firefighters and other staff meticulously checked for hidden embers. On the morning of the fourth day, Lin Zifeng finally dragged his exhausted body down the mountain.

Before descending the mountain, he reported the situation at the fire site to Wan Guoliang and Qian Dagang.

Both of them reported to the main leaders of the Municipal Party Committee respectively, and then both rushed to Gangou Township.

Accompanied by Wang Zhongyu and Li Qiang, Lin Zifeng arrived at the foot of the mountain. Wan Guoliang and Qian Dagang greeted him. Seeing his current appearance compared to a few days ago, he was practically a different person.

Not only was he covered in dirt and his hair a mess, but his face was also unrecognizable; if they hadn't looked carefully, neither of them would have recognized him.

The two of them were stunned for a moment, then each firmly grasped one of his hands.

"Secretary Zifeng, you've worked hard. You are the general commander on-site; why did you go to the scene yourself? You could have just stayed at the Gangou Township government office to command."

Wan Guoliang spoke first. The reason he said this was because other Standing Committee Members did the same; at most, they would go to the foot of the mountain for a few hours before returning to the Gangou Township government office.

"Secretary, I'm young and have good health. If I don't go to the site, I won't feel at ease."

He smiled, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.

"I heard from Secretary Yu Le of Gangou Township that you haven't come down the mountain for four days and three nights since you went up.

You've worked hard, Secretary Zifeng. Hurry back and rest! Leave the finishing work to others!"

Qian Dagang also said with a moved expression.

"The County Head is right. Hurry back and rest. Don't worry about work; it won't be too late to return once you have fully rested."

Wan Guoliang also advised him again.

"Thank you both leaders for your concern. Then I will head back."

"Wait a moment, Secretary Zifeng. Your driver is in a state where driving is not safe. Let my driver drive your car and take you back to the county!"

Wan Guoliang said with a smile.

"Then I will be the driver for the Secretary once. Let my driver drive my car, go back with you, and then come back with the Secretary's driver."

Qian Dagang said with a smile.

"Then thank you, Secretary and County Head." Lin Zifeng did not refuse their kindness.

Because all three of them were exhausted.