...The city fireman-the fire that suddenly bursts forth in the close-pack'd square, The arriving engines, the hoarse shouts, the nimble stepping and daring,The strong command through the fire-trumpets, the falling in line,the rise and fall of the arms forcing the water,The slender, spasmic, blue-white jets-the bringing to bear of the hooks and ladders, and their execution,The crash and cut away of connecting wood-work, or through floors, if the fire smoulders under them,The crowd with their lit faces, watching-the glare and dense shadows;....

Summary

This quote captures the intense and chaotic scene of a city fire. It describes the sudden eruption of flames and the immediate response of firemen arriving with their engines, shouting commands through fire-trumpets. The firemen work in perfect coordination, using their strength and precision to forcefully spray water onto the blaze. Hooks and ladders are deployed strategically, breaking down wooden structures and floors to reach hidden fires. The vivid imagery continues with the portrayal of the watching crowd, their faces illuminated by the fire's glare amidst the shadows. The quote showcases the dramatic and dangerous nature of firefighting in a bustling urban environment.

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