Goodfellow AFB firefighters respond to wildfire
Posted 4/20/2011
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by Connie Hempel
17th Training Wing Public Affairs
4/20/2011 - GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- As dense smoke from a nearby fire engulfed the base April 15, crews and assets from here and the Louis F. Garland Fire Academy joined forces with hundreds of other firefighters to battle the fire.
Persistent drought, high winds and temperatures have complicated attempts to battle the fire, which was only 10 percent contained as of April 18 and has scorched more than 150,000 acres so far.
"When San Angelo and Tom Green County reached out to us for assistance, I didn't hesitate to commit as many resources as possible to help our community overcome this crisis," said Col. Thomas Geary, the 17th Training Wing commander. "We will continue to provide whatever support we can during this difficult time."
Answering an early morning request for mutual aid from Tom Green County April 15, a truck and three firefighters from here provided structural support for buildings threatened by the fire, officials said. After crews from more than 20 agencies were unable to contain the fire, a second request for additional help was fulfilled, with three more trucks and 11 more firemen. Since then, more than 66 firefighters and five crash-rescue vehicles, carrying 5,000 gallons of water, from the academy and fire department here have responded.
Their determination is paying off. According to the Texas Forest Service web site, more than 400 homes and structures have been saved from the fire, some of which were spared due to Goodfellow AFB's assistance.
"Our guys have actually engaged some of the fire and have been able to save some multi-million dollar homes and livestock," said John Manera, the Goodfellow AFB assistant fire chief. "Our people have also helped prevent the fire from spreading by keeping it from jumping some of the highways."
San Angelo Emergency Operations Manager, Ron Perry, said Goodfellow AFB's assistance was very important.
"We had exhausted all of our resources. Without Goodfellow's assets, I can't imagine what would've happened," Mr. Perry said. "We definitely appreciate their continued help." |
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