Tinker services aid members affected by recent MWC disaster

Published April 16, 2009
By Brandice J. Armstrong
72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Terry Ford said in his 27 years of fighting fires, he'd never seen anything like the April 9 wildfires. A firestorm, allegedly set by teenagers, swept through Midwest City and Choctaw. Obliterating roughly 100 homes in the two suburbs, approximately 15 Tinker personnel were left homeless. But, despite the devastating results, Tinker's services proved a vital asset during the immediate danger and after the embers cooled.

"It was surreal," said the Tinker Fire and Emergency Service's chief. "The fire was just hop-scotching all the way to the northeast. It was a completely random pattern and I've never seen houses burn so violently or quick."

At approximately 4 p.m., Tinker Fire Department officials received a distress call and sent two brush pumpers to the scene. As the night progressed, the Tinker Fire Department sent a 4,000-gallon water tanker, two P-19 crash trucks, and a fire truck to backfill Midwest City's regular firefighting duties. In total, Tinker sent five fire trucks and 24 firefighters on a rotating basis.

Chief Ford said much of the devastation was due to the blustery wind, which gusted up to 60 mph. As one residence burned, an ember or spark was lifted by the wind, carried a half-mile and landed on another house, causing it to burn. Some houses were cinders, while other neighboring homes were untouched. Due to the severity of the winds, utilizing aerial firefighting resources was not an option. In addition to the daunting task at hand, several Tinker firefighters, including Chief Ford, faced another worry. They had homes in Midwest City or Choctaw. Despite the concern, they pressed on.

"You just say a prayer and move on," the chief said. "It was not a Tinker Air Force Base fire, but there were Tinker people out there and when a major catastrophe like this happens, we work hand-in-hand with the local communities to protect those around us."

At daybreak April 10, the fire died down and most of Tinker firefighters returned to the firehouse or went home. Only five firefighters headed to SE 29th Street and Hiwassee Road in Choctaw to continue efforts.

After fire crews extinguished the immediate danger, the Airman and Family Readiness Center on base offered care to displaced and affected Tinker members. By speaking with affected members, A&FRC officials determined necessary plans of action and helped customers receive the appropriate care. To date, A&FRC members offered interest-free loans and grants for basic needs through military relief agencies, commissary vouchers and basic necessities from the Airman's Attic, Loan Locker and Food Pantry.

"We're a conduit for everybody," said Carolyn Smith, A&FRC community readiness consultant. "We're the go-between who worked the logistics."

Other Tinker services offering basic care include the 3rd Combat Communications Group and the Indian Hills Inn, which offered cots or hotel rooms.