FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Firefighters from the 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron along with crews from the Cheney Fire Department and Spokane County’s Fire District 3 responded to apartment fire in Cheney Aug. 5.

The apartment was a multifamily complex, four units were involved in the large structure fire. Fairchild crews were assigned to fire attack and salvage and overhaul to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent units.

“It is very important to enhance our capabilities through off-base responses such as structure fires, wildland fires and hazardous material responses,” said Shawn Welch, 92nd CES fire department captain. “Valuable training and experience is gained through handling complex emergencies while providing much needed help for our local community.”

Handling emergencies on and off base prepares young military firefighters for handling complex emergencies overseas while deployed. In addition, Fairchild firefighters rely heavily on off base agencies including Cheney, Medical Lake, Airway Heights, District 10, District 3, Spokane City and Spokane International Airport, for assistance during major emergencies.

Putting a name with a face greatly increases the positive relationships with off base partners. Gaining experience and knowledge with their equipment and capabilities allows for a higher rate of success during responses, Welch said.

“Responding off base has been vital to not only our outside community, but also to the moral for our young firefighters,” Welch said. “The relationship in the past three years has grown tremendously. Working together has allowed us to provide our community and off base community with first class care and mitigation.”