Soldiers respond to forest fire

Photo By Master Sgt. Terrence Hayes | Two Fort Lewis Soldiers extinguish small flames left behind from the forest fire as part of mop-up operations Aug. 17.  

08.14.2006

Story by Spc. Laura Bigenho 

28th Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. Laura M. Bigenho
28th PAD

More than 500 Fort Lewis Soldiers have responded to the National Interagency Fire Center's request for military assistance in battling forest fires in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, near Winthrop, Wash. The lightning-caused fire has burned over 83,000 acres.

Units comprising Task Force Blaze include 1st Battalion, 38th Regiment; 23rd Chemical Battalion; 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment; 4th Battalion, 6th Aviation Regiment; 29th Signal Battalion and 28th Public Affairs Detachment.

Soldiers were divided into 25 teams of 20 Soldiers, each team headed by an NIFC civilian crew advisor. Aug. 13, their first day together, was spent in a classroom where they received wildland fire training. Soldiers also received personal protection equipment and hands-on training from NIFC.

"We are going to assist NIFC in doing what they need us to do," said Lt. Col. Ricardo Love, commander, Task Force Blaze. "This is a mission we aren't accustomed to, but we are (receiving) appropriate training. NIFC has done an outstanding job of coming down here and making us part of their team."

The purpose of classroom training was to familiarize Soldiers with fire's behavior and how to use their firefighting equipment, said Dave Morrison, instructor, NIFC.

"The classroom is the foundation of a fireman's training," Morrison said. "We also emphasize safety. There is no forest or structure that is worth the life of their comrades nor themselves."

Soldiers were also given hands-on instruction with a fire shelter – a lifesaving device that was issued to every person. Each Soldier was tested on their ability to open and get inside their shelter in 25 seconds or less. Those who did not pass were considered dead, and given another chance until they had it right.

Although fire shelters protect from death, Anthony Chapman, military crew advisor, Alaskan Fire Services, points out they should only be used as a last resort.

"Even though we train on (how to use) fire shelters, we really stress and teach people how to look for safety zones so they know where to go and not be impacted by the fire," Chapman said.

Pfc. Luke Schneider, infantryman, 1st Bn., 38th Reg., said he looks forward to deploying and using what he has learned in training.

"This is a good opportunity to get out and do something really different," Schneider said. "I like that I can (apply) this training to the civilian world, especially if I decide to become a fireman."

Task Force Blaze expects to be actively fighting fires Aug. 17, after two days of thorough field training. They will be deployed for up to 30 days.

"This is part of what the military is prepared to do. We have a mission and now we must execute it," Love said. "I think we have highly motivated Soldiers who are looking forward to the experience."

Fort Lewis is not the only military installation assisting NIFC with the battle. United States Northern Command also has four Air National Guard C-130 aircraft mobilized – two from Ore., and two from Idaho.

For more stories and photos on Task Force Blaze click here

For video on Task Force Blaze click here

• Date Taken: 08.14.2006
• Date Posted: 08.14.2006 19:44
• Story ID: 7440