Bilateral fire drill helps keep skills alight Published March 8, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Katrina R. Menchaca 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Members of the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron fire department participated in a joint disaster prevention drill at Joyful Honda in Mizuho Town, Tokyo, Japan on March 2, 2012 as part of "Spring Fire Prevention Week". During the joint training, fire fighters were able to test their abilities in responding to a fire, while developing an understanding for joint operations. "We brought some of Yokota's firefighting assets out to show our neighbors what our capabilities are and to showcase what we are bringing to the fire fight," said Lt. Col. Wade Rawlins, 374th Civil Engineer Squadron commander. Working together with fire departments from Fussa City, Hamura City, Mizuho Town, the Joyful Honda disaster prevention team and community volunteers, team Yokota members were able to participate in an all too familiar scenario. The morning began with the simulation of an earthquake with a magnitude five plus, whose epicenter landed in the western Tama area. Fire fighters arrived to the department store, assisting simulated victims and responding to a fire on the second floor. "To see everybody working together to fight the simulated fire was my favorite part," said Rawlins, when each station brought out their pumper trucks and discharged water onto Joyful Honda. Not only does training exercises like the joint disaster prevention drill strengthen the firefighters, the program also strengthens friendships and enhances cooperation. "Living so close together," he added. "It is very important that we show each other what we can each bring to fire fighting."