Dad and Dave xx-xx-xx (334) There Is A Fire At Ted's House

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Dad and Dave xx-xx-xx (334) There Is A Fire At Ted's House"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Dad and Dave xx-xx-xx (334) There Is A Fire At Ted's House
Release Date: June 18, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of "Dad and Dave," listeners are transported into the heart of a family’s struggle against a devastating bushfire threatening their home. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Radio, the narrative seamlessly blends tension, drama, and heartfelt interactions, encapsulating the challenges faced during such a crisis.

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The Onset of Crisis

The episode kicks off with Ted Ramsey grappling with an emergent bushfire threatening his property. From the very beginning, the urgency is palpable as Ted urgently calls for more firefighters.

Ted Ramsey (00:24): "Hey, Ted, quick, get more firefighters over here, will you?"

However, Ted faces immediate challenges as resources are limited.

Ted Ramsey (00:27): "There's no one else to spare here."

Alf, another key family member, seeks additional tools to combat the fire.

Alf (00:29): "Give us another wet bag. I'll up over."

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Assessing the Situation

As the fire intensifies, Ted’s desperation grows. He contemplates evacuating to save personal belongings, highlighting his deep connection to the home.

Ted Ramsey (00:35): "Come on, let's take your things out of the house. We might save something."

Despite his efforts, Alf confronts the grim reality of the situation.

Alf (00:39): "There's no use, Ted. ... But can't you see it's no use?"

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Introducing Dave and Strategic Responses

Dave enters the scene as a pivotal character, bringing a strategic approach to the firefighting efforts. He proposes creating a firebreak, a crucial measure to contain the blaze.

Dave (00:59): "Of course it's no use. We've got to burn a break around the house."

Dave takes command, coordinating with firefighters to implement the plan.

Dave (01:04): "Now listen, Dave, you go right along the line of firefighters and tell them we're going to burn a break and I'll need every one of them."

Ted expresses both hope and anxiety as the family band together.

Ted Ramsey (01:25): "Well, you should have thought of it sooner, Ted, before the fire got so bad."

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Family Dynamics Amidst Crisis

The narrative delves deep into the family’s dynamics, showcasing varying reactions to the impending disaster. Mum remains hesitant to leave the house despite Annie’s urging to help.

Mum (02:19): "Now, mum, you promised dad you wouldn't budge out of this house unless he rang up from Ramsay's place."

Uncle Clarence introduces a subplot of financial concerns, even as the fire rages.

Uncle Clarence (02:38): "You know, Sarah, if we hang onto these shares a little bit longer, we might get a better price."

Annie, showing empathy and concern, urges her family to act.

Annie (02:46): "Oh, Uncle Clarence. Attack. Terrible fire. Just look out there. It's getting worse."

This tension between personal priorities and the immediate threat of the fire adds depth to the characters and their relationships.

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Escalation and Communication Breakdown

The situation worsens as communication breaks down during the crisis. Mrs. Ramsey attempts to convey urgent news, but technical issues hinder effective communication.

Annie (03:36): "Hello? Hello? Oh, it's you, Mrs. Ramsey... Another fire started behind the house."

This leads to panic and a realization that multiple areas are affected.

Annie (04:15): "Oh, the house must have caught fire."

The family decides to prioritize rescue efforts, showcasing their determination and resilience.

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Climactic Rescue Efforts

As the fire's intensity peaks, Dave and Ted coordinate a daring rescue mission. The family members face immense physical and emotional challenges, emphasizing the perilous nature of bushfires.

Dave (05:00): "You must have known there wasn't a chance when the fire got going like this. Ted. I hope my boy's all right."

Amidst the chaos, Uncle Clarence becomes a figure of concern as the fire threatens to trap him.

Alf (09:10): "Hey, look over there. It's Uncle Clarence."

The tension escalates further when Dave embarks on a risky endeavor to save Uncle Clarence, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to family.

Dave (10:03): "We'll beat a way back for him. Through the break."

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Resolution and Aftermath

In the face of overwhelming odds, the family's combined efforts pay off as Dave successfully navigates through the firebreak to rescue Uncle Clarence. The episode culminates with a sense of relief and triumph amid the lingering smoke.

Annie (10:31): "You can see him plainly now. The smoke's gone, blowing away."

Ted acknowledges the collective effort and the miracle of saving the home.

Alf (08:37): "If you save this place, it'll be a miracle."

The episode wraps up on a hopeful note, celebrating the family's resilience and unity in overcoming the natural disaster.

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Notable Quotes

• Ted Ramsey (00:27): "There's no one else to spare here."
• Dave (00:59): "We've got to burn a break around the house."
• Uncle Clarence (02:38): "You know, Sarah, if we hang onto these shares a little bit longer, we might get a better price."
• Annie (04:15): "Oh, the house must have caught fire."
• Dave (10:03): "We'll beat a way back for him. Through the break."
• Annie (10:31): "You can see him plainly now. The smoke's gone, blowing away."

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Conclusion

"Dad and Dave xx-xx-xx (334) There Is A Fire At Ted's House" masterfully captures the harrowing experience of battling a bushfire while navigating complex family dynamics. Through vivid storytelling and compelling character interactions, the episode not only showcases the physical struggle against the fire but also delves into the emotional resilience required to endure such crises. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of family and community in the face of natural disasters.

Transcript

[Expedia]

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[Ted]

Hey, Ted, quick, get more firefighters over here, will you?

[Ted Ramsey]

There's no one else to spare here.

[Alf]

Give us another wet bag. I'll up over.

[Ted]

Oh, it's helpless. Come on, let's take your things out of the house. We might save something.

[Ted Ramsey]

We've got to shave my home.

[Alf]

All right, boys, come on into it again.

[Ted Ramsey]

There aren't enough of us here to do any good. Where is everybody?

[Alf]

Oh, it's no use, Ted. All snake gully's here by now. Honest, Ted, I know how you feel. If it was my home I was trying to save, I'd feel like you do. But can't you see it's no use?

[Dave]

Of course it's no use. We've got to burn a break around the house.

[Ted Ramsey]

Oh, it's you, dad. Where have you been?

[Dave]

Dave and I got here as soon as we could, Ted. Now listen, Dave, you go right along the line of firefighters and tell them we're going to burn a break and I'll need every one of them. We'll have to drop back from here, Dave. So tell them I'll wait for them under the big gun.

[Ted Ramsey]

I'm all right.

[Dave]

Leave it to me, Dan. Good on you, Dave. Come on, everybody, get back to the house. We'll burn a fire break around it.

[Alf]

You're right, dad. It's the only thing to do if we've still got time.

[Dave]

Well, you should have thought of it sooner, Ted, before the fire got so bad.

[Ted Ramsey]

Well, it didn't seem so bad at the start, dad. But we've got to save the home. We've got to save the old place.

[Dave]

Starve the lizard's, Ted. We'll save the place. And you out you get a half a dozen blokes and start a fire break across from the corner of the western paddock and run it right down to the creek. Oh, Dad, I always knew you had trust in me. Well, go on, go on, shake it up. Get your men together and get a move on. All right, D. Where's some more wet bags, Ted?

[Ted Ramsey]

That's the last of them, dad.

[Dave]

Well, come on. We'll have to do the best we can while we're here.

[Ted Ramsey]

I look out to.

[Mum]

Now, Mum, come away from that door. You can't do anything.

[Annie]

Poor Mrs. Ramsey. It'll break her heart if they lose Their home. Annie, I think we ought to go over to see if we can help.

[Mum]

Now, mum, you promised dad you wouldn't budge out of this house unless he rang up from Ramsay's place. You got your own things to look after. Don't forget.

[Uncle Clarence]

Can't you keep that girl quiet? Sarah, make it a song and dance about a bit of a bushfire in a paddock. I've got to write a letter about these shares.

[Annie]

Oh, Uncle Clarence. Attack. Terrible fire. Just look out there. It's getting worse.

[Uncle Clarence]

You know, Sarah, if we hang onto these shares a little bit longer, we.

[Ted Ramsey]

We.

[Uncle Clarence]

We might get a better price.

[Mum]

Oh, how can he talk about shares at a time like this?

[Annie]

Only the smoke's coming over this so worse than ever. Oh, look, ma' am.

[Mum]

Look at the sun. It's gone behind the smoke in the sky.

[Uncle Clarence]

Why can't you shut that door, Mom? The smell of smoke's becoming unpleasant.

[Mum]

And my Alps out there facing danger.

[Uncle Clarence]

I always knew that island oil well shares in pay in the finish.

[Mum]

Oh, who cares about your old island oil well shares? God, I hope that's not bad news.

[Annie]

Oh, I'll answer it. It might be dad.

[Uncle Clarence]

You know, there was never any doubt in my mind about these shares. And now we've cleaned up a fortune.

[Annie]

Hello? Hello? Oh, it's you, Mrs. Ramsey. Oh, you poor thing. No, no. Has Dan got there yet? What's that? What? Another fire started behind the house. Oh, speak up. Speak up. I can hardly hear you. Mrs. Ramsay. What's the matter? What are you trying to say? Mrs. Ramsey? Mrs. Ramsey, are you there?

[Dave]

Hello?

[Annie]

Hello, Mrs. Ramsey?

[Mum]

Mum, what's happened?

[Annie]

Oh, something terrible must have happened, Annie. She was trying to tell me something when the phone cut off.

[Mum]

Oh, the house must have caught fire.

[Annie]

We must go to them, Annie. I know something terrible is happening over there.

[Dave]

Whose house is on fire?

[Uncle Clarence]

What's the matter now?

[Annie]

You'll have to wait here on your own. Uncle Clarence. Are you coming with me, Annie?

[Mum]

Of course I'm coming with you, mum. We'll make straight across the paddocks and wade the creek behind the Ramsey's home.

[Ted Ramsey]

Here.

[Dave]

Hold on. I'm coming. Where is Dave? How far would he have to go, Ted? Ted, how far would he have to go to round all the firefighters up?

[Ted Ramsey]

Well, they'll be stretched out a good way by this time, dad. Down to the south bend of the creek, I should say.

[Dave]

Well, you must have known there wasn't a chance when the fire got going like this. Ted. I hope my boy's all right.

[Alf]

Is that you, There.

[Dave]

Dad?

[Ted Ramsey]

Yes?

[Dave]

Is that you, Bill Smith? Where have you been?

[Ted]

Oh, Dave told us you'd be somewhere over by the big gum. He told us you wanted us.

[Dave]

Well, get back and lend an with Al. He's rushing to burn a break between the fire and the house.

[Ted]

Oh, we're almost done in, dad. But we've been down there in the thick of it since this morning. We'll do our best to save Ted's house.

[Dave]

Yes, I know you will. Hang on. Have you got much kerosene, Ted?

[Ted Ramsey]

Yes, and a couple of tins in the water.

[Dave]

Well, you fellas crack them open and spill it wherever the break. Looks as though it's gonna be slow to get alight. It's touch and go, but we might save Kid's place yet.

[Ted Ramsey]

Well, it's no use staying here any longer now, dad. Old Snake Gully will be a bonfire by tonight.

[Dave]

Well, you get back if you like, Ted. But I told Dave to send every man to me here under the big gum. I've gotta wait for him.

[Ted Ramsey]

Look, there's some of them coming back from the house.

[Dave]

What are they coming back here for? Every man is needed on that break.

[Ted Ramsey]

Why, it's Annie and old Uncle Clarence.

[Dave]

Yes, and Mum. Go back, Mum. Go back.

[Ted Ramsey]

Is that you, dad?

[Annie]

Oh, is that you?

[Dave]

Yes, it's me all right, Sarah. But why did you come over here like this? It's not helping me, Sarah. Why did you bring Uncle Clarence?

[Annie]

Oh, dad, when that bone cut off, I couldn't hear it. I've been so worried.

[Dave]

Why this fire serious? Why are you all standing here doing nothing? Oh, stop eating at those little bushes, Uncle Clarence. And you too, Annie. What good can that do?

[Annie]

Why are you just standing here, dad?

[Mum]

And where's Dave and my Alf?

[Dave]

Uncle Clarence, will you leave those bushes alone and get back to the house? The fire's got too much for us, Mum. We had to drop back here under the big gun. I told Dave to send the boys here as soon as he rounded them up so that I could tell them to go along the break.

[Mum]

But where's my Alf?

[Dave]

Alf's looking after the break. And if you want to make yourself useful, Annie, get back there with him.

[Ted Ramsey]

We can't stand here much longer, dad.

[Dave]

Well, you go now, Ted, you'd better go across the creek and take Mum and Annie and Uncle Clarence with you. You mightn't be able to get back through the break now.

[Annie]

Shouldn't Dave be back soon? If only we could see a little way through all this smoke.

[Dave]

Dave will be all right, Sarah.

[Alf]

Oh, there you are, Dan.

[Annie]

Have you seen Dave?

[Ted]

Oh, he's coming right behind with Bill Smith. He said you wanted to have a break with Dan.

[Dave]

Well, if it's not pretty, well alight soon it'll be too late. Wait for us and we'll go across the creek and double back behind the brake.

[Annie]

Oh, thank you, goodness. Here's Dave and Mr. Smith now.

[Dave]

Come on, Dave. Come on, shake it up. We're heading for the creek.

[Ted Ramsey]

Struve. What Mum's doing here? Mum, you shouldn't be here. Come on, give us your arm. Mum, we might have to run now.

[Dave]

See, Sarah, I told you not to come.

[Alf]

Hey, dad, didn't you feel the wind change a bit then?

[Ted Ramsey]

Oh, yes, too right I did.

[Dave]

Well, I didn't feel any wind change.

[Ted Ramsey]

No, but I. I thought I did for a minute.

[Annie]

Well, I hope Annie and Uncle Clarence are getting back all right.

[Ted Ramsey]

Stop. The crows. What are they doing over here?

[Dave]

They're just ahead of us with Ted Ramsey. They came over with Bum.

[Ted Ramsey]

Oh, mom, you shouldn't have come here.

[Annie]

I was frantic with worry. Dave, do you think they'll be all right?

[Dave]

Don't you worry, Sarah. If Ted Ramsay doesn't know his way about his own place, who does?

[Ted Ramsey]

Come on, Mum. We all have to run for it.

[Dave]

You are dead. The brake seems to be working all right. You've done a good job, Alf. And the wind seems to be coming in the opposite direction too. Well, the Stiller Oak. Ted, we might save your place.

[Alf]

If you save this place, it'll be a miracle.

[Annie]

We were worried about you, Mr. Ramsey. We should have all waited and come back together.

[Ted Ramsey]

Oh, Annie and I were all right.

[Annie]

Oh, feel that wind. It's too.

[Alf]

It'll have to bring rain or it won't help much. We ought to get back to our own places pretty quick.

[Dave]

Well, we'll have to stop here for a while, Bill.

[Annie]

Mr. Ramsey. Where's Uncle Clarence?

[Mum]

Uncle Clarence?

[Annie]

Dad said he was with you and Mr. Ramsey.

[Ted Ramsey]

The last I saw of Uncle Clarence, he was beating out the bushes under the big gun where we were all standing.

[Annie]

But where is he now?

[Dave]

But, Ted, I told you to take him with you. You heard me, Annie.

[Mum]

No, I didn't hear you, dad. There was so much smoke, I couldn't see where Uncle Clarence was.

[Alf]

Hey, look over there. It's Uncle Clarence.

[Dave]

Where? I can't see Uncle Clarence.

[Alf]

I'll swear it was him. The smoke cleared for a minute, and it looked like him lying under the big gum.

[Dave]

Oh, it can't be Uncle Clarence.

[Ted Ramsey]

That big gum's on fire.

[Annie]

Oh, look.

[Mum]

Look at him. Look at his. There he is now, Uncle.

[Alf]

Oh, we'll never get to him.

[Dave]

Well, there's just a chance. If someone could duck back across the creek again, you'd never make a dab. Here, Al, give me that wet sack. I'm going through the break.

[Annie]

Oh, Dave. Dave.

[Ted Ramsey]

Come back, Dave.

[Alf]

Oh, he's mad. Look at him. He'll never get through it.

[Dave]

Dave. Steady, me boy. Steady. Oh, Dave will get through all right.

[Ted Ramsey]

Come on.

[Dave]

We'll beat a way back for him. Through the break.

[Annie]

Dave. Dave, my boy.

[Dave]

Good on you, Dave.

[Alf]

He's through here.

[Dave]

Give me a bag. I'm going into that break to help Dave.

[Annie]

Oh, dad.

[Dave]

You too, Mum. It's our boy out there in that fire.

[Annie]

Look, there's Dave again.

[Alf]

Look, he's fallen over.

[Mum]

Yes, he's fallen.

[Alf]

He's all right.

[Ted Ramsey]

He's up again. Oh, look. Look, he's reached Uncle Clarence.

[Annie]

Nobody's hurt. He can hardly lift Uncle Clarence.

[Mum]

You can see him plainly now. The smoke's gone, blowing away.

[Ted]

Look, that big branch is coming down on them.

[Dave]

Look out. Don't jump clear. I'm coming to you.

[Ted Ramsey]

Me coming.

[Mum]

It.