MEDIA CONTEST: Dry weather still a danger

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ACC MEDIA CONTEST --  A small fire ignited just a few feet behind the 5th Bomb Wing Headquarters building July 27 at approximately 2:30 p.m.

The fire started on a dry patch of grass when sparks fell to the ground after a telephone pole electrical transformer short circuited, said Senior Airman Joey Velasco, 5th Civil Engineer Squadron Exterior Electrical shop.

The grass fire was extinguished by Chief Master Sgt. David Goldie, 5th Bomb Wing command chief, and Airman 1st Class Antwon Toson, 5th BW information management.
"We heard something similar to a gunshot (referring to the transformer short circuiting) and looked outside the window and saw a small fire on the ground," said Airman Toson.
Chief Goldie and Airman Toson then grabbed two fire extinguishers and ran outside to put out the flames.

"We were lucky to put it out when we did because after spotting the fire, it quickly doubled in size," said Airman Toson.

According to Tech. Sgt. Robert Kirwan, 5th CES base fire protection flight assistant chief of operations, the fire doubled in size so quickly due to constant winds inherent to this region coupled with recent high temperatures that have dried out the grass.

"Most people don't realize how combustible dry grass can be," he said. "A mere spark can set it off under the right circumstances as seen here. Although this was purely accidental, care should be exercised while grilling, using insect repellant candles or other flammable items outside. This season there have been a lot of dry grass fires across the country in the news and this is proof that it can happen right here on base."

According to the 5th Bomb Wing Safety office, all base members should be familiar with how to use a fire extinguisher.

"Some do differ in shape and size, but for the most part they all operate the same, said Rod Krause, of the safety office. "All you have to remember is PASS. Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher, Aim it at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle to release it and
Sweep it back and forth to put out the fire."

Also it is important to know the locations of fire extinguishers, said Mr. Krause.

"Not only should you know where they are in the work place, but you should also know where they are in your home," he said. "We all have [fire extinguishers] here in all our buildings on base, but you'd be surprised how many people do not have one in their home. So if you don't own one, this is a reason why you need to buy one."

When the base fire protection flight arrived on scene minutes later, the fire had already been extinguished. Firefighters then proceeded to drench the burnt spot of grass so it wouldn't re-ignite.

As for the transformer short-circuiting, it's because of the extreme heat, which caused its insulation to deteriorate, said Airman Velasco. This was an isolated incident and there is no reason to be concerned it will happen to other transformers on base, he also said.
For more information about fire safety, call 723-2461 or 723-2259.