Community partnerships help drive Fort McCoy’s support of National Night Out

Story by Scott Sturkol August 9, 2026 at 01:59AM Every summer on the first Tuesday in August, communities across the nation gather for National Night Out, an event designed to strengthen relationships between residents and the police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders who serve them.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571914/community-partnerships-help-drive-fort-mccoys-support-national-night-out"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9858534/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Community partnerships help drive Fort McCoy’s support of National Night Out" /></a>

Future Soldiers get hands-on training as 1-186 Infantry preps for E3B

Story by Maj. Wayne Clyne August 6, 2026 at 05:03PM Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, trained at Salt Creek Training Area near White City, Ore., July 30 to Aug. 2, 2026, in preparation for next year's E3B testing event. Oregon Military Department wildland firefighters from Camp Rilea provided fire coverage throughout the training, which included blank-fire weapon stations and a movement-under-direct-fire lane. The training culminated Aug. 1 with a well-attended Guard for a Day event that gave local recruiters and interested young adults hands-on exposure to Army weapons systems and training<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571801/future-soldiers-get-hands-training-1-186-infantry-preps-e3b"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9855065/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Future Soldiers get hands-on training as 1-186 Infantry preps for E3B" /></a>

U.S. Naval Hospital Rota Demonstrates Readiness During Mass Casualty Exercise

Story by Lt.Cmdr. Alicia Sacks August 5, 2026 at 03:00PM ROTA, Spain — U.S. Naval Hospital Rota conducted a mass casualty exercise in partnership with Naval Station Rota, the Federal Fire Department and other units across the installation on June 25, 2026. The exercise tested the hospital’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to a large-scale emergency.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571668/us-naval-hospital-rota-demonstrates-readiness-during-mass-casualty-exercise"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9852396/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="U.S. Naval Hospital Rota Demonstrates Readiness During Mass Casualty Exercise" /></a>

Regional wildfire exercise strengthens military community resilience

Story by Dustin Senger August 4, 2026 at 05:15PM Emergency managers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and government officials representing four Northeast Florida military installations and local, state and federal partner agencies tested regional coordination Aug. 4 during a tabletop exercise built around worsening drought and wildfire conditions.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571561/regional-wildfire-exercise-strengthens-military-community-resilience"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9850152/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Regional wildfire exercise strengthens military community resilience" /></a>

BB 26-1: Airmen respond to simulated grounded drone

Story by Senior Airman Amy Kelley August 3, 2026 at 04:12PM KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Security Forces Squadron, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters and explosive ordnance disposal team collaborated in a simulated emergency response during exercise BB26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 3, 2026. The scenario involved a grounded drone, requiring a coordinated safety sweep and the establishment of a secure perimeter.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571424/bb-26-1-airmen-respond-simulated-grounded-drone"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9847027/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="BB 26-1: Airmen respond to simulated grounded drone" /></a>

169th firefighters forge combat-ready skills in first DFT to Germany

Story by 1st Lt. Nicole Szews August 2, 2026 at 11:40AM SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany — Firefighters assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, weren't just training this time — they were breaking new ground. Over two weeks in-country, the unit led its first-ever Deployment for Training (DFT) on German soil, gaining hands-on experience in unfamiliar territory alongside firefighters assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing — the kind of training that helps build combat-ready firefighters prepared to answer the call wherever the mission takes them.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571339/169th-firefighters-forge-combat-ready-skills-first-dft-germany"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9844778/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="169th firefighters forge combat-ready skills in first DFT to Germany" /></a>

One Mission, Many Partners: How Interoperability Powers the National Scout Jamboree

Story by 1st Lt. De-Juan Haley July 27, 2026 at 07:37AM GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Before the first Scout pitches a tent or begins an adventure across the Summit Bechtel Reserve, another team has already been at work for months. Soldiers, Airmen, Civil Air Patrol, emergency managers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and Scout leadership come together with a common objective: ensuring the National Scout Jamboree is safe, secure and prepared for anything.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/570765/one-mission-many-partners-interoperability-powers-national-scout-jamboree"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2607/9825357/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="One Mission, Many Partners: How Interoperability Powers the National Scout Jamboree" /></a>

Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026

Story by Airman 1st Class Maria Mota July 20, 2026 at 01:20PM The Goodfellow Fire Department hosted its Junior Firefighter Camp, July 13 - 17, 2026.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/570323/goodfellow-afb-hosts-junior-firefighter-camp-2026"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2607/9820531/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026" /></a>

Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026

Story by Airman 1st Class Maria Mota July 20, 2026 at 01:20PM The Goodfellow Fire Department hosted its Junior Firefighter Camp, July 13 - 17, 2026.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/570323/goodfellow-afb-hosts-junior-firefighter-camp-2026"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2607/9820531/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Goodfellow AFB Hosts Junior Firefighter Camp 2026" /></a>

Camp Blaz Fire Department Enables Marine Corps Readiness in the Pacific

Story by Lance Cpl. Tanner Currin July 15, 2026 at 11:34PM MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam – Firefighters with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz ensure our base and community is safe every day by doing maintenance, practicing drills, and answering the call to help. The fire department serves a critical function that the base requires. The fire department here on Camp Blaz is a fundamental resource that is required for any military installation. Installations are self-contained cities housing thousands of service members, families, and civilian employees. The fire department provides structural firefighting, rescue, and Emergency Medical Services for the base. Without a fire station, the base cannot safely conduct certain operations. The buildup of the fire department is a massive step for Camp Blaz to become a proud installation.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/570046/camp-blaz-fire-department-enables-marine-corps-readiness-pacific"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9744525/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Camp Blaz Fire Department Enables Marine Corps Readiness in the Pacific" /></a>

Camp Blaz Fire Department Enables Marine Corps Readiness in the Pacific

Story by Lance Cpl. Tanner Currin July 15, 2026 at 11:34PM MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BLAZ, Guam – Firefighters with Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz ensure our base and community is safe every day by doing maintenance, practicing drills, and answering the call to help. The fire department serves a critical function that the base requires. The fire department here on Camp Blaz is a fundamental resource that is required for any military installation. Installations are self-contained cities housing thousands of service members, families, and civilian employees. The fire department provides structural firefighting, rescue, and Emergency Medical Services for the base. Without a fire station, the base cannot safely conduct certain operations. The buildup of the fire department is a massive step for Camp Blaz to become a proud installation.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/570046/camp-blaz-fire-department-enables-marine-corps-readiness-pacific"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9744525/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Camp Blaz Fire Department Enables Marine Corps Readiness in the Pacific" /></a>

Firefighters conduct rescue training at Torii Station

Story by Natalie Stanley July 15, 2026 at 08:15PM TORII STATION, Okinawa — Firefighters with the U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa Department of Emergency Services conducted technical rescue training July 15 at the Torii Station rappel tower in Okinawa, Japan.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/570038/firefighters-conduct-rescue-training-torii-station"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2607/9813154/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Firefighters conduct rescue training at Torii Station" /></a>

Leading with authenticity: Meet the DoW Fire Service Instructor of the Year

Story by Cynthia Griggs July 7, 2026 at 03:00PM When Assistant Chief of Training Tiana Bykowski stepped into her previous role as a training specialist at Hill Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services, she learned the difficult lesson that there are no guarantees on the fireground. It is an environment where egos can compromise safety and where the stakes are life and death. Now named the Department of War Fire Service Instructor of the Year, Bykowski has spent her time transforming how firefighters acquire critical skills, and moving toward an authentic, decision-based philosophy.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/569498/leading-with-authenticity-meet-dow-fire-service-instructor-year"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2607/9797180/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Leading with authenticity: Meet the DoW Fire Service Instructor of the Year" /></a>

USAG Rheinland-Pfalz firefighters battle wildland blaze near Baumholder

Story by July 2, 2026 at 04:09AM BAUMHOLDER, Germany -- Firefighters from U.S. Army Garrison Rheinland-Pfalz Fire and Emergency Services deployed June 28-29 and again July 1 to provide mutual aid assistance during a major wildland fire near the village of Traisen, close to Bad Kreuznach. The fire broke out during a record-breaking heatwave, with regional temperatures reaching 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit). The extreme heat fueled a fast-moving forest fire that triggered the immediate, complete evacuation of the entire village of Traisen. The 24-hour operation integrated Army assets with local German emergency agencies under dangerous conditions.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/569237/usag-rheinland-pfalz-firefighters-battle-wildland-blaze-near-baumholder"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2607/9788044/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="USAG Rheinland-Pfalz firefighters battle wildland blaze near Baumholder" /></a>

Firefighter Experience Helps CNRH Deputy Emergency Manager Remain Cool Under Pressure

Story by Kyler Hood July 1, 2026 at 10:03PM When disaster strikes, Neil Fujioka is the “calm in the storm.” Fujioka’s unflappable composure makes him well suited for his role as deputy emergency manager for Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH), where he helps direct risk mitigation, preparedness, and emergency response for all Navy installations across Oahu and Kauai. “We're often thrust into action during the worst times, the most stressful times, and surrounded by people who are often very, very stressed out and on edge,” said Will Luna, CNRH emergency manager. “An emergency manager, being able to come into that situation and coolly, calmly direct action and get people on the right path is really what it's all about for us, and Neil exhibited that ability from day one.” Fujioka attributes his calm demeanor to his nearly three decades of experience as a federal firefighter. “It’s a muscle I spent my entire career building,” he noted.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/569224/firefighter-experience-helps-cnrh-deputy-emergency-manager-remain-cool-under-pressure"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2607/9787672/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Firefighter Experience Helps CNRH Deputy Emergency Manager Remain Cool Under Pressure" /></a>

Bridging the flames: How one Reserve firefighter brings civilian grit to the flightline

Story by 1st Lt. Heather Cozad Staley June 29, 2026 at 07:00PM In the fire service, there are two distinct worlds. On the military side, the focus is heavily on prevention, ensuring that disasters on the flightline or in structural buildings never happen in the first place. On the civilian side, firefighters operate in a world of daily unpredictability and chaos. For Master Sgt. Kora Nan, a 446th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, living in both worlds is exactly what makes him an invaluable asset. As a civilian firefighter with the South King Fire, Nan faces constant, high-stress emergencies. As an Air Force Reserve member, he brings the hard-earned adaptability and resilience from those civilian streets straight to his military team. His breadth of experience brings a unique, operational strength that elevates the readiness of his entire flight.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568951/bridging-flames-one-reserve-firefighter-brings-civilian-grit-flightline"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9778645/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Bridging the flames: How one Reserve firefighter brings civilian grit to the flightline" /></a>

Training with Fire

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Michael Davis June 26, 2026 at 02:38PM In an era where technology has transformed the way people learn, work, and connect, some skills are still best learned the old fashioned way: face to face and hands on. For firefighters assigned to the 158th Fighter Wing, Vermont Air National Guard, this meant traveling to North Carolina over the spring to train on live jet fuel fires. This training brought a level of realism many of them had never experienced before despite years of protecting aircraft at the Burlington International Airport and surrounding communities.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568700/training-with-fire"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9775949/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Training with Fire" /></a>

NAF Atsugi Hosts CNRJ Fire Academy Graduation

Story by Taylor Ardito June 26, 2026 at 01:16AM Today nine Master Labor Agreement (MLA) recruits earned the title of firefighter during a graduation ceremony onboard Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568638/naf-atsugi-hosts-cnrj-fire-academy-graduation"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9774424/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="NAF Atsugi Hosts CNRJ Fire Academy Graduation" /></a>

Army Reserve Medic Brings Combat Trauma Experience to Civilian Fire Service

Story by Staff Sgt. Jerry Zuetrong June 23, 2026 at 04:12PM For Sgt. Abbie Muterspaw, serving as an Army Reserve combat medic and working as a civilian firefighter-paramedic are more than two separate careers. They are complementary callings built around service, readiness and helping others during their most critical moments.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568400/army-reserve-medic-brings-combat-trauma-experience-civilian-fire-service"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9768176/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Army Reserve Medic Brings Combat Trauma Experience to Civilian Fire Service" /></a>

134 Civil Engineers Strengthen Infrastructure and Readiness in Korea

Story by Staff Sgt. Brandon Keys June 18, 2026 at 01:21PM 134th Civil Engineer Squadron strengthening infrastructure capabilities while supporting mission readiness, in support of the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron, June 3-17, 2026, at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The Tennessee-based team joined the project as part of a rotational plan of National Guard and U.S. Reserve units working with their active counterparts on various improvement upgrades and maintenance endeavors while also completing vital training across the base. As construction teams completed over 50 work orders while logging over 2300 work hours, 134th CES firefighters completed multiple aircraft rescue and firefighting exercises with the 8th CES. These efforts increase cohesion and support that allow guard, reserve and active forces to better understand their shared roles in integrated environments.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/568148/134-civil-engineers-strengthen-infrastructure-and-readiness-korea"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2606/9741407/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="134 Civil Engineers Strengthen Infrastructure and Readiness in Korea" /></a>