"No, no, darlin'. It's no more dangerous than workin' at the station with all them steam locos. Kittens up trees, hot ash in a coal bin, that sort of thing. If there's anything really serious, they'll keep me away, an' let more experienced lads take over." 

The prospect of running into a building engulfed in flames hadn't crossed his mind yet. Pouring water into the flames from the outside, he could do, but would he be able to fight his natural instinct to flee to save a kitten or even a person? 

"A job is job. I get t' 'elp folk when they need it most; surely that's worth t' risk?  Plus I get a uniform too." he said hoping that she might be distracted by such fringe benefits.