Base emergency crews respond to fire at test range

Published Feb. 27, 2009

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Base firefighters responded to a fire on a test pad near Building 191 in Area B here at approximately 3:50 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27.

The fire was restricted to the outdoor live fire range which is adjacent to the building.

The fire was extinguished and the scene declared safe at approximately 4:45 p.m.

Initial indications are a routine test that involves firing a live round into an aircraft wing fuel tank resulted in a fire that could not be immediately extinguished by the facility's built-in fire suppression equipment, said assistant fire chief Jacob King.

There were no injuries and no apparent damage to adjacent buildings or property.

Firefighters from neighboring Fairborn, Ohio responded to a mutual aid call with personnel and equipment to man Wright-Patterson Fire Department's Station 1, until base equipment and personnel returned to service.

An investigation will be conducted.