Wow! Thank you for the comments, everyone!
I'm glad that you had them handle the fire that way.
I’d like to take credit for my great research, but if I got it right it’s pure luck.
I’m glad it seems credible to a firefighter.
On Clark’s reaction, I have him crying a little. I recall him being fairly stoic in the series, only rarely being overcome with emotion, and I didn’t want to overdo it. And as KenJ points out, it’s only been a bit over a week for Clark. I’d be curious to hear more thoughts on this point, though.