**BREAKING: Bee-pocalypse Hits Modesto Fire Department**
MODesto, CA – In a bizarre and terrifying turn of events, the Modesto Fire Department was buzzing with more than just activity yesterday as a swarm of THOUSANDS of bees descended upon their fire trucks while battling a raging vegetation fire in Stanislaus County.
According to eyewitnesses, the bees, estimated to be around 5,000 in number, fled the inferno and took up residence on the firefighters’ vehicles, causing widespread panic and at least one reported case of “extreme apian-induced anxiety.”
“It was like something out of a horror movie,” said Firefighter John Smith, still shaken by the experience. “We were trying to save the day, and suddenly we were under attack by a swarm of angry bees. I’m pretty sure I saw one of my colleagues running around with a helmet on his head and a ‘Save the Queen’ t-shirt.”
The bees, reportedly from a nearby hive, apparently decided that the fire trucks were the perfect place to relocate their colony, covering every available surface with a sticky, buzzing blanket of yellow and black.
“It was like they were trying to take over the world,” said Modesto Fire Department Chief, James Johnson. “We’ve had some weird calls in the past, but this one takes the cake. Or should I say, the honey?”
Firefighters were forced to abandon their vehicles and flee to safety, leaving their trucks to become impromptu bee condos. “It was like they were trying to make a break for it,” said Smith. “We were all like, ‘The bees are coming! The bees are coming!’ It was chaos.”
The situation was eventually brought under control when a team of brave (or foolhardy) beekeepers was called in to safely relocate the bees to a nearby apiary.
In a statement, the Modesto Fire Department said, “We urge everyone to be aware of their surroundings and to never underestimate the power of a thousand angry bees. And also, to always wear a beekeeper suit when responding to fires.”
The vegetation fire, which started as a small brush fire, has been contained and is now 90% controlled. The bees, on the other hand, are reportedly thriving in their new digs and have already started producing their own line of artisanal honey.
In related news, local businesses are now offering “Bee-Preparedness Kits” and “Bee-Proof” fire trucks. When asked for comment, a spokesperson for the Modesto Fire Department simply shook their head and muttered, “You can’t make this stuff up.”
