Wildfires on the Mountains - Our Farm at Arrow Lake, #1

The Hartmann family, recent immigrants from Germany, settle on a farm near Arrow Lake in the Canadian wilderness. Together they work to renovate their new home and adapt to rural life, facing challenges such as language barriers, new customs, and integrating into the local community. Papa Richard, a geologist, seeks work at a mining company, while Mama Renate hopes to be a nurse at the Red Cross outpost. The actual heroine, fifteen-year-old Andrea, has a crush on the store owner's handsome son, Craig. She, her older brother Michael, her twin brother Holger (paralyzed in an accident) and little sister Nicole all contribute to the parent's decisions.

Persistent heat and drought lead to dangerous wildfires in the surrounding mountains. The family and their neighbours are constantly on alert as the fires draw closer, with heavy smoke and the threat of evacuation looming over their daily lives. The actual heroine, fifteen-year-old Andrea, has a crush on the store owner's handsome son, Craig, and enjoys outdoor adventures such as boat rides with him on Arrow Lake. These moments provide both excitement and a sense of belonging to her new home.

The family works hard on farm chores, repairs, and animal care. Sibling relationships are explored, including Andrea's bond with her twin brother Holger (who is in a wheelchair), her older brother Michael, and her younger sister Nicole, who struggles with homesickness and fear of the wilderness.

A severe windstorm worsens the wildfire situation, leading to power outages, animal attacks (coyotes), and increased anxiety. The family prepares for possible evacuation, packing essentials and making contingency plans.

The situation becomes critical, and the entire Eagle Creek Valley is ordered to evacuate. Andrea, Holger, and Nicole are separated from their parents and must navigate the chaos of evacuation, including helping a neighbor (Elena) and her animals escape across the lake during dangerous conditions.

As the fires intensify, local authorities draft all able-bodied adults to help fight the fires. Andrea's parents and brother Michael join the firefighting crews, while Andrea and her siblings manage the farm and household on their own, demonstrating resilience and teamwork.

Andrea risks her life to help Elena, who suffers a severe asthma attack during their escape. Meanwhile, Michael is injured while fighting the fires and is rescued and hospitalized. Both story lines highlight courage and the unpredictability of disaster.

After days of uncertainty, rain finally arrives, helping to control the fires. The family is reunited at an evacuation camp and later at the hospital, where they visit Michael and Elena. They return home to find their property mostly intact and begin to resume normal life.

The first volume ends with hope and anticipation for the future, including plans for new adventures, caring for animals, and celebrating friendships, as well as a preview of further challenges and growth in the next volume.