Eielson emergency teams respond to base fire

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Willard E. Grande II
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) --  Eielson Air Force Base emergency responders responded to a fire in a base housing residence within five minutes and helped mitigate property damage April 6 here. 

"There was smoke coming out of an upstairs window and a woman was screaming that her daughter was still inside," said Staff Sgt. Cody Belt, a 354th Security Forces Squadron Delta Flight member, who was the first responder on scene.

Sergeant Belt reacted to the information he had at the time and entered the residence with an off-duty security forces member, Staff Sgt. David Gum, to search for the child.

"It was a moral issue," said Sergeant Belt, "do you go in or not?" 

Sergeant Belt said he felt it was only right to go in. After searching the premises with no sign of the child, the two officers exited the building.

When arriving on scene, security forces typically evacuates the affected area and its immediate surroundings. After evacuation, a cordon is set up and security forces provides security. Once the fire protection flight arrives, the fire chief assumes command and this time was no different.

Two engines and a command vehicle arrived for this incident and once on scene, firefighters sprung into action. Firefighters extinguished the fire approximately three minutes after arrival.

"It was a textbook entry and search pattern procedure," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Belfer, the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron deputy fire chief. "Our firefighters performed outstanding and were efficient in getting the fire under control."

Building entry consisted of two firemen, Staff Sgts. Curtis Brown and Jerry Vega, taking control of a fire hose while two more, Staff Sgt. Allen Harris and Airman 1st Class Adam Wallace, conducted a sweep of the building. The firefighters still had a report of one child missing and they determined that she was not in the residence. Sergeant Belfer said that their priority is always life, safety, looking for victims and getting the fire under control. It was later found that the child had safely exited the home. 

Both security forces members were treated for mild smoke inhalation. There were no other injuries.

The fire was contained to one bedroom and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. 

Officials from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations are investigating the incident. 

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