In case of fire

In Case of Fire is a humorous 1928 pulp short story by American editor and author Walter Kellogg Towers. Originally published in the September 8, 1928 issue of Argosy All-Story Weekly, the tale follows two young newspaper reporters, Jim and the narrator, who decide to take a road trip over a holiday weekend. Instead of a normal car, they acquire a brand-new, brightly painted fire engine, borrow a couple of official helmets from the local fire chief, and hit the open turnpike. The story chronicles their chaotic and comedic "joyride" as they blast their exhaust siren through quiet country towns, scaring the locals and causing traffic mayhem. While enjoying the ultimate thrill of clearing the roads, they are constantly plagued by one hilarious anxiety: what on earth will they actually do if they encounter a real fire along the way?