Dyess FD assists community battle near 18,000 acre fire

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joel Mease
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Dyess Fire Department responded with fire trucks and personnel to a near 18,000 acre wildland fire April 9, near Eastland, Texas. 

Dyess officials arrived at the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m. to help more than 25 local departments put out the large fire. Fourteen firefighters from Dyess were used to help protect ranch houses and equipment in the southeast section of the fire. Dyess fire crews were successful in preventing the fire from taking down four homes. 

Large scale fires have been more prevalent lately due to dry climate conditions. The local communities have had to rely more on one another to help combat these fires, as no one department has the resources to fight them, said Floyd Jones, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services deputy chief. 

"Wildland fires are challenging in West Texas due to the terrain and conditions encountered on ranch lands," Mr. Jones said. "Barbed wire fences, cattle, oil tanks, valleys and other unforeseen factors all contribute to the unique firefighter conditions. Our crews did their best to prevent damage to farmers' crops at the same time stop the aggressively moving wildfire." 

The Eastland fire was particularly challenging as high winds prevented helicopters and aircraft in assisting the fire fight, leaving the bulk of the work to crews on the ground, Mr. Jones said. 

Despite the tough conditions, Dyess crews were more than happy to assist their fellow firefighters. 

"When the call comes in for mutual aid assistance, every firefighter on and off duty are jumping at the chance to go," Mr. Jones said. "All of our firefighters know the risks of wildland fires and were still eager to assist." 

Being a good neighbor is something several of the Dyess firefighters take pride in as many of them volunteer in departments around Dyess in their off time, Mr. Jones said. 

"Working with the surrounding communities helps build our relationship and when needed, we can expect the same level of response from our neighboring firefighters to any base fire we cannot handle alone," Mr. Jones said. 

While building a better relationship with neighboring communities, the opportunity to assist has allowed Dyess firefighters to become better at their jobs. 

"Responding to these mutual aid fires makes our firefighters that much better," Mr. Jones said. "There is nothing better than hands on experiences verses learning from the books. The valuable knowledge they gain can be used anywhere around the world combating wildland and forest fires."