Firefighting teamwork saves taxpayer dollars

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan., --  McConnell and local community firefighters worked together to prevent the spread of a 22-acre fire, caused by a bird, on base land Aug. 19, 2012, here.

More than 15 fire units contained the fire after a bird struck a power line, ignited and landed on the grass.

"After we got the call, our Airmen quickly responded to the scene to find about 150 yards of grass on fire," said Master Sgt. Joseph Forro, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron deputy fire chief.

After arrival, McConnell's fire units began an offensive attack to slow the spread of the fire then called for support from the local community.

Approximately 12 more units from Sedgwick County and Wichita, Kan., arrived on base and began a full assault on the fire.

The team also had the wind on their side pushing the fire away from fuel buildings and KC-135 Stratotankers on the flightline.

"During the event the teamwork was great, not just with the firefighters but also with the security forces personnel that helped us get on scene," said John Turner, Wichita Fire Department battalion chief.

The firefighters fought the fire for two and half hours, in order to contain it to the base land preventing the spread to local homes and business.

"Our quick actions and that of our off-base partners as well, prevented a fire that could have spread to the local community," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Teets, 22nd CES safety health officer.

McConnell firefighters help support the local community by responding to off base emergencies when possible. During the fire, a unified command post was set up with the Air Force, Wichita Fire Department, and Sedgwick County Fire Department with the Air Force fire commander overall in charge.

"This event is really another building block in case we ever have to respond to a much large event such as an aircraft fire," said Turner.

Both sides agree that the existing partnership has lead to many good things and hope to continue developing the relationship. While the "bird fire" only burned grass, the quick actions of both the community and McConnell firefighters helped avoid a disaster.