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Battling the blazes

  • Published
  • By Micah Garbarino
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Tinker firefighters have been busy battling wildfires during a summer of scorching temperatures and little measurable rainfall, including three large blazes that recently raged in the Oklahoma City metro area Aug. 30-31.

The Tinker Fire Department, part of the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Directorate, has responded to 40 off-base wildfires so far this year.

"Wild land firefighting is some of the most dangerous firefighting we do because of the unpredictable nature of the fire, the fuel load and the weather. Wind can wreak havoc with a wildfire," said 72nd CEF Fire Chief Terry Ford.

When responding, the department routinely fields two "brush pumper" vehicles, a 4,000 gallon water tanker and a "Mule." The mule is a special vehicle that Tinker firefighters outfitted in the station specifically for wild land firefighting.

If called for, the department can also field a rapid intervention airport firefighting truck, which may look out of place on a brush fire, but is a welcome sight for off-base departments.

"Our partners really enjoy seeing that airport truck show up, especially when the fire is threatening homes. The truck packs quite a punch on fast-moving wildland-urban interface fires," said Chief Ford.

Tinker has "wonderful" partnerships with local fire departments, said Chief Ford. The departments regularly train together and maintain close personal relationships.

Federal law allows the Air Force render aid to prevent damage, destruction and alleviate suffering in the surrounding community. When responding, Tinker always maintains sufficient levels of personnel and equipment here to react to on station emergencies, Chief Ford said.

"They can come on base and help us with fires here as well. These mutual aid contracts are beneficial for everyone," said Chief Ford. "We received thanks from a lot of Tinker employees for being out there and keeping their property safe."

Wildfires will continue to be a risk in the drought stricken Southern-plain states. Firefighters are asking people to take extra precautions to help prevent these outbreaks. For tips on preventing wildfires, contact the Tinker Fire Prevention office at 734-3981.

Oklahoma County, along with several others in the state, is currently under a burn ban. Visit http://www.forestry.ok.gov/burn-ban-information for more information.