But wait, I thought "Firebird" was for next season

posted 02:04 PM Wednesday, April 14, 2010

By: Chip Chandler

Next season's tagline is pretty simple: "The Amarillo Symphony. We Are Music."

After this afternoon's events, perhaps I should add something: "And Firefighters."

Yes, your faithful Amarillo Symphony staff displayed heretofore unknown skills today and stopped a blazing fire from destroying a couple of casserole pans full of chicken tetrazzini  ... not to mention the historic Bivins home where our offices are located.

Some errant flames from a Sterno can caught some napkins and plastic utensils on fire, leading to the black, molten mess you see above. Sue and I smelled the melting plastic, and she quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher and put the fire out. At least until the wind coming through the open hall door reignited the conflagration. That's when I grabbed a broom and started smacking the table. In a most heroic-like manner, I assure you.

In the end, the ladder truck, the two incident command vehicles and the ambulance weren't needed. The soot and extinguisher powder are still lingering, but the smell has somewhat faded. And Sue and I even got a brownie each for our effort!