Warren fire staff aids Cheyenne in I-80 tractor-trailer rollover accident

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The base fire department responded to a no-fatality accident Feb. 29 on Interstate 80.

High-speed winds had overturned a tractor-trailer that Friday night, causing a partial blockage of the road.

"We're not just here for the base," said Jeff Iles, 90th Civil Engineer Squadron fireman. "We have resources here that the city can call us for if they need us."

The base department and Cheyenne's FD work together for many occurrences throughout the community; for some off-base problems, Warren may be able to respond more quickly, and for others, Cheyenne handles the situation completely. The difference: Warren's department only responds if the city asks for help.

"The mutual agreement allows for a few more people to help out with a fire," said Cheyenne Battalion Chief Jim Martin. "When our resources are overwhelmed, we can call Warren -- and vice versa -- for help."

For the I-80 accident, three Warren firemen responded to aid in constructing a barrier between the wreckage and traffic until city crews could clear the road. Sometimes, the firemen are involved until every aspect of rescue and cleanup is complete. The firemen didn't return to Warren until the next morning.

"It's part of our job," Mr. Iles said about the time involved in the response. "We accept that responsibility. It's a lifestyle," he said with a shrug.

The Warren fire staff train continually to improve their efforts. Fire service is always evolving, and the need to train is ever-present, Mr. Iles said.

Although a fireman's job involves high-risk procedures, life-saving operations and vigorous training, Warren's FD staff remain humble.

"From your point of view, you may see that being a fireman is cool, exciting, fun." Mr. Iles said. "From my point of view, it's an everyday thing. This is what we do."