9th AMXS Airmen fight fire ensuring members safety

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ramon A. Adelan
  • 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs
BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, California— Recently a group of maintenance Airmen helped protect mission critical facilities when a fire ignited on base. 

On June 27, 2018, a fire threatened the Beale air traffic control tower and occupied U-2 Dragon Lady hangars. With the initial response from 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron members, they were able to hold off the fire from damaging anything until fire service arrived on scene. 

“All we saw was smoke initially,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Peacher, 9th AMXS electrical and environmental journeyman. “Then it dawned on me that we had liquid oxygen bottles right by where the smoke was coming from. It could have taken out at least one jet, which then could have taken out the one beside it and maybe some casualties. All that flashed in my mind at once, and I sprinted out towards the where we kept the liquid oxygen bottles to begin moving them.”  

These actions were recognized by leadership, all the way up to Col. Andy Clark, 9th Reconnaissance Wing commander. Clark later met with the Airmen to show them his gratitude in ensuring the safety of others and assets here on Beale.  

“Near the end there almost everyone had a fire extinguisher,” Peacher said. “After we put the fire out, I was just glad nobody got hurt and the aircraft were still in good condition.”