PINNACLE, N.C. — Some elementary students are thanking firefighters battling the Pilot Mountain fire in a special way. 

“I understand you spend a lot of time away from family and make a sacrifice on so many things. From Shoals Elementary, we appreciate you so much,” said Hunter Sink, a student at Shoals Elementary.

That's just one of the many thank you cards that Sink and his fifth grade class have written for those fighting what officials are referring to as the "Grindstone Fire."

As of Wednesday morning, the Pilot Mountain fire had grown to more than 1,000 acres, according to authorities. 

 

What You Need To Know

  • Hunter Sink and his fifth grade class made thank you cards for crews fighting the "Grindstone Fire"
  • Sink's dad was one of the first people to respond to the fire
  • Sink made a special thank you card for his dad and he plans to become a firefighter just like him

 

“I just love that everybody is coming together and making such good things for people. Overall, it’s amazing. It’s amazing what we can all do if we join together,” Sink said.

Sink's card is especially important to him because he plans on giving this one to his dad.

“To know that he is helping not only fight a fire, but save multiple lives at the base of the mountain, it’s pretty awesome,” Sink said.

He remembered the moment his dad received the dreadful call about the fire.

“He had to immediately go to it,” Sink said.

Like his father, Sink plans to become a firefighter.

“I intend on being a firefighter when I grow up because it’s really inspired me for my whole life really,” Sink said.

Just as his dad inspires him, he hopes the cards he and his class made will inspire those currently on the mountain.

“The sun makes everyone happy. It makes it a good day. It’s beautiful outside and you can see, instead of it being just a moon all the time," Sink said.

Sink made a valid point that leaves us all thinking.

“If the fire fighters were not to be up there and with forestry, just think about how far the fire would be by now,” Sink said.