Be aware! Fires can start anywhere, anytime

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo --  A grass fire started July 28 in base housing, putting more than 850 Team Whiteman homes and families at risk.

Cigarette butts were found near the fire's starting point, indicating it was started by a cigarette, according to Lt. Col. Randy Boswell, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

Before firefighters arrived, Airman 1st Class Tyler Melnick, 509th Security Force Squadron; Senior Airman Miles Sandoval, 509th Logistics Readiness Squadron; and Army Sergeant Benjamin Miller, 101st Airborne Division, saw the fire and took it upon themselves to extinguish it, according to Boswell.

Hot and dry conditions have led to outdoor burning bans in counties and cities around Missouri, and the Missouri Department of Conservation has banned fires on all conservation areas in the state.

"Lack of rain is causing vegetation throughout Missouri to die," said Tim Robinson, 509th CES fire inspector. "Foliage is so dry that fires are happening at an alarming rate around Whiteman AFB. We encourage people to do their part and help prevent fires."

Following the pattern of caution taken throughout the state, Whiteman members should be alert and aware of their responsibility to prevent fires.

"Fire prevention is necessary because it can stop a major catastrophe," said Robinson. "Life and valuables could be lost."
Occupants are our first line of defense in fire prevention, and the more vigilant individuals are can help prevent fires in or around your house, according to Robinson.

The following are tips from the 509th CES and are an effort to prevent fires and keep families safe:

1. All fire pits are banned until further notice.

2. If you are a smoker, dispose of your cigarette butts properly. Do not throw them on the ground.

3. Water your grass. Watering for a few hours every other day in the morning before 9 a.m. or in the evening after 7 p.m. will keep your yard from becoming a tinder box.

4. Be cautious when using barbecue grills. Keep fires under control and be mindful of the wind. Wind gust can easily scatter burning embers.

Ensure barbecues are enclosed and have a way to immediately extinguish the flames if a fire occurs. Keep barbecue 10 to 15 feet away from all facilities.

5. Properly store combustibles and keep the exterior of your home neat and orderly.

6. Keep your home and clean and organized and should the fire department need to enter the premises in an emergency response, they can enter it safely and quickly.

7. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Those who would like to learn can contact the 509th CES fire department for proper instructional use.

8. Parents should discuss a home escape plan with their children and practice often.

For more information visit nfpa.org, or call the 509th CES fire prevention office at 660-687-6083 or 660-687-6080.

For additional fire prevention tips visit cdf.gov. For local weather updates visit weather.gov.