ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- Six firefighters assigned to the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron were dispatched to support neighboring agencies in fighting a major wildfire Oct. 17.
A wildfire was spreading across grasslands approximately one hour from base when Ellsworth firefighters were called to help contain what has been named the Cottonwood Fire.
Chris Huiras, a firefighter assigned to the 28th CES, stated the initial request was for tender support, which meant Ellsworth would provide a water truck and two firefighters. Ellsworth water tanks hold up to 4,278 gallons of water.
“Imagine a fire moving approximately 40 miles per hour across the prairie and initial responders with water trucks, holding approximately 250 gallons of water, trying to catch up to the fire and refill tanks,” Huiras said. “It’s impossible and that’s why being able to reach out for support is so important. Resources from the base were able to supply water trucks with a higher carrying capacity.”
The site was described as chaotic and approximately 23 agencies and 45 fire service agencies were working together, according to Lt. Jim Bussell, the public information officer with the Rapid City Fire Department.
“All of the firefighters that were on initial attack on October 16, including Ellsworth firefighters, should be applauded for the work they did,” said Bussell.
An hour after initial resources were dispatched Ellsworth sent two more response vehicles and four additional firefighters.
Firefighters from Ellsworth helped cut lines around the fire in attempt to stop the fire from spreading, while helping secure areas where road raiders could not access.
Huiras said, Ellsworth provided over 50,000 gallons of water and helped ensure 100 percent containment of the wildfire.
“We had zero mishaps and zero lives lost, which is a major success,” said Huiras.
Once the fire was contained, firefighters provided continued support by extinguishing smoldering areas, known as mop-up operations, within the cutting lines of two divisions. When Ellsworth personnel were released, 41,360 acres of land had been burned.
According to Huiras, the Ellsworth Fire Department routinely trains with Box Elder and that training occurs a few times per year, covering a variety of topics. This relationship with the local community helps improve training and is important in demonstrating Ellsworth’s firefighting capabilities, giving them experience with the other fire departments, and ensuring they are able to render aid when requested.
“Had it not been for the incredible interagency cooperation among all of the approximately 68 agencies, which included Ellsworth, the Cottonwood Fire would have been far, far worse,” said Bussell.