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Iraqi, U.S. firefighters seize real world success

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Martie Moore
  • 506th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs
Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq --  506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters and Iraqi Air Force firefighters have been training together for about two years in preparation for the drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq. On May 20, 2010, however, the teamwork escalated from training to a real world experience when a fire started near the flightline, burning approximately five acres of land.

A team of five Aircraft Rescue Firefighting vehicles, including two Iraqi ARFF vehicles, one fire engine, one mini-pumper and 31 firefighters, including six Iraqi firefighters, reported to the fire.

"We had just concluded training with the Iraqi Air Force firefighters on aircraft set-up procedures with ARFF vehicles," said Master Sgt. Kelly Yount, 506th ECES assistant chief of operations.

The training was evident in the quick response. The firefighters arrived within four minutes of the call.

"They followed our trucks in, went straight to where they saw flames, and proceeded to discharge water," said Sergeant Yount. "Senior Master Sgt. Mark Czmyr, an assistant chief, rode on one of their trucks for communication purposes so their units could be directed by the incident commander."

There were no injuries and minimal damage to the area. In addition, the team prevented the loss of two structures.

A crew of five personnel and a mini-pumper with 250 gallons of water stopped the flames about 40 feet from a building and fuel tank, preventing further damage, according to Sergeant Yount.

"The seamless integration of the Iraqi and U.S. Air Force firefighters during Thursday's fire demonstrated the value and success of FOB Warrior's mission "Enabling our Iraqi Partners". It was inspiring to watch our firefighters work hand-in-hand with the Iraqi firefighters to prevent any loss of life and minimize property damage," said Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Brandhuber, 506th ECES fire chief.