ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- U.S. Air Force firefighters assigned to Andersen Air Force Base responded to an off-base structure fire in Harmon, Guam, May 12.
Andersen AFB sent two 36th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department firefighters and a water tanker to resupply Guam Fire Department responders who were engaged with the fire at the DeWitt Warehouse.
“Our tanker supplied water to GFD, Navy and Guam Airport firefighters,” said Stanley Torres, 36th CES Fire Department fire chief. “I’m proud that my firefighters were able to respond so quickly to partner with Guam Fire Department and first responders who were containing and quelling this incident at DeWitt Warehouse.”
The fire started at 5 a.m. May 12, and GFD requested support at approximately 1 p.m. due to inadequate hydrant water pressure. 36th CES firefighters provided approximately 65,000 gallons of water. As of 8:30 a.m. today, support from Andersen firefighters is ongoing.
“Fires are a threat to everyone, regardless if it’s on base or off,” Torres said. “Some of the fires are deep seeded in the building due to combustibles that contributed to the fire. Andersen firefighters will continue to standby until GFD does not need our support for this fire. Once the fire is extinguished, fire investigations will be initiated.”
Torres stated that he is thankful for the strong partnership that Andersen AFB firefighters have with the Navy, Guam, and Guam Airport firefighters. Torres said that the lines were indistinguishable between each organization because of how fluid the four departments worked together.