Bushfire! Read Free Page A

beggars can’t be choosers. Come on, girls. Hop to it.”
    They sprang into action. Richard prepared a sterile area while giving orders to the girls to hand him instruments and help as much as possible while he attached the IV drip to the kangaroo. They watched anxiously.
    Richard finished the operation and settled the kangaroo back into his crib. “We’ve helped this fellow out as much as we can for now, but he really needs to get to the hospital.”
    Rosie turned to her dad. “Do you know how the fire was started?”
    He shook his head. “Well, nine times out of ten it’s human carelessness. The firefighters suspect it was a campfire in a no-camping zone that got out of control.”
    â€œThat’s terrible. Why would anyone do that?” Rosie asked.
    Richard shook his head. “I don’t know. People need to stick to areas that have been set aside for camping. And on a total fire ban day, there is no way they should have been lighting fires.” He turned his attention to a wallaby. “It’s an even harder lesson for the animals. They have lost a home as well as a food supply. It will take months and months for the bush to grow back.”
    The loud toot of a horn got their attention. Bindi looked out the window to see the other rescue van pull up. Terri and Katie hopped out. Richard waved in relief.
    â€œI don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to see you both!” he called out.
    Katie yelled back, “We’re happy to be here.”
    â€œAre you girls okay?” Terri asked.
    â€œWe’re fine, Mum,” Bindi replied. “But we want to get these animals back to the hospital right away!”
    Bindi and Rosie stayed in the van with the animals, watching the action through the front windshield. Terri, Katie, and the volunteers began their attack on the tree. Terri was giving instructions over the roar of the chain saws. They used chains attached to the four-wheel drive to begin hauling the large gum tree branches off the road.
    It was then that Bindi noticed Robert looking around anxiously from the other van. She opened a window and called out to him. “G’day, Robert!”
    Robert’s face lit up. He waved furiously. Bindi waved back. Suddenly she felt a bit teary. It had already been a long, hard day and it was far from over.
    Rosie knew exactly how Bindi was feeling. She leaned over and gave her best friend a big hug. “Don’t worry, B. Our mums will have the tree cleared in no time and we’ll make sure the animals get the help they need.”
    Bindi hugged her friend back. This was exactly what best friends were for!

It was all systems go as the rescue van pulled into the animal hospital. The staff appeared from every corner of the hospital to help unload the animals. The kangaroo was moved onto a stretcher and carried inside, while the others could be moved in their cages.
    Rosie and Bindi helped their adopted animals into the main reception area of the hospital. The narrow hall behind was immediately filled with animals needing attention.
    â€œWhat will happen now?” Bindi asked Richard.
    â€œOur triage nurse will inspect each animal and decide who needs to be seen right away and who can wait a little longer for more detailed treatment.”
    Richard pointed to the kangaroo. “Our courageous kangaroo will be the first cab off the rank.”
    Richard knew the girls were anxious about the animals they had adopted. “Try not to worry. Every animal will get the attention it needs. I’m not the only vet here. Your furry friends will be looked after.”
    Just then the front doors swung open, followed by a loud shout of “Incoming!”
    A man covered in dirt and charcoal staggered up to the group. He held an injured possum in his arms. “This fellow needs help, doc.”
    â€œYou both look as if you’ve been through the fire,” said Richard, checking out man and