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Fairchild firefighters join forces to battle local fire

Published July 21, 2014
By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE-Wash. -- On July 19 at around 2:50 p.m., flames erupted into what later became known as the Watermelon Hill Fire in Lincoln County, Washington. Within several hours, the fire was approved for state mobilization, allowing additional resources to be deployed from around the state.

Crews from Fairchild received the call for help and the initial response team headed out to scene, approximately 30 miles from the base.

"I believe it's vital to support the community in situations when help is needed most," said Kimo Kuheana, 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire chief. "We are part of one the best fire communities in the nation and work together extremely well."

Fairchild's teams were initially sent out to protect residents of Cheney and Fishtrap Lake area. So far, more than 20 members of the 92nd CE fire department have responded to the incident and are continuing efforts alongside their community partners.

"The relationships we have with the community are important to us as Airmen," Kuheana said. "We couldn't ask for better partners to respond with during times when partnership is needed most."

Airmen today are "mopping-up," working to eliminate any hot spots that could potentially restart a fire or cause any more damage to properties that might be in harm's way.

According to the Department of Natural Resources, the Watermelon Hill fire was 40 percent contained as of Sunday and more than 279 firefighting personnel were actively working to suppress flames that overtook nearly 13,000 acres.

Other agencies involved include the Lincoln County Sheriff's office, Spokane Fire Department, Spokane County Fire Districts 3, 4, 8 and 9, plus many more.