Putting out fires and promoting community

  • Published
  • By Macy Hinds
  • 97 Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

Wild fires have run rampant through southwest Oklahoma for almost a week and current weather conditions in Altus make the area a hot-spot for more fires. High temperatures, low humidity, dry fuels and gusty winds have local firefighters preparing for historic fire danger levels.  

Jackson Country firefighters, still exhausted from last week’s wild fires in the area, are trying to catch their breath. Literally. Smoke inhalation and exhaustion are taking a toll on local fire departments. Altus Air Force Base 97th CES Fire Emergency Services Flight, part of the Jackson County Joint Task Force, stepped in to provide support to the over-worked and weary firefighters, reaffirming their support to the local community.

“We answered Jackson Country’s call for assistance and responded to help fight five different fires over a four day period [last week],” explained Senior Master Sgt. Darnell Walls, NCO assigned to the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) Fire Emergency Services Flight.

Altus AFB was able to team up with the local community in a big way by supplying both manpower and supplies.

“The flight utilized 84 responders over those four days totaling 2,352 man hours and used over 120,000 gallons of water to resupply 28 devices from 12 different fire departments,” said Walls. “Through these combined efforts, the team was successful in safeguarding 2,400 acres, five farms, 500+ livestock, 37 commercial/residential structures and saved the homes of 185 Jackson County residents.”

Altus AFB personnel are finding ways to help out in the community as well, lending a hand in any way they can. Mrs. Loran Mayes, Altus AFB Armed Services YMCA executive director, has been working alongside Altus AFB Honorary Commander, Mrs. Tiphanie Hamon, hospitality manager at Holiday Inn in Altus, to alleviate the stress from the wildfire in Martha, OK that erupted last weekend.

The two have been volunteering throughout the night at a local church, Martha Road Baptist Church, giving firefighters food, water, wipes, towels and a safe place to recuperate before braving the flames again. The volunteers have also provided support to the 15 families who lost their homes in Martha which has been the hardest part emotionally, said Mayes.

The 97th CES Fire Emergency Services Flight, Mrs. Mayes and Mrs. Hamon stepped up to support the local community, giving back to a group of people who welcomes Air Force families with open arms.

Altus AFB is dedicated to sustaining the Mutual Aid Pact with the Altus community. The pact means Altus AFB is ready and willing to come out and assist other fire departments in the area to put out fires and keep the community safe.