Japanese firefighters team with Yokota to dowse DFAS fire

  • Published
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  A fire occurred at about 6:30 p.m. Jan. 20 in an administrative building on base that houses the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Japan.

DFAS Japan is responsible for preparing payments for U.S. forces in the Western Pacific. About 120 people work in the building.

Firefighters from the Tokyo Metropolitan Fire Department were called to the scene at about 8 p.m. to assist Yokota firefighters. Five fire engines, two ladder trucks and a command vehicle from local fire departments as well as 38 firefighters assisted Yokota's 30 firefighters and their eight vehicles contain the fire to one single building.

"Cooperative efforts like this clearly illustrate the teamwork we've established with our Japanese neighbors," said Col. Jeff Newell, 374th Airlift Wing commander. "We are thankful for our partnership with the surrounding communities their efforts greatly strengthened our response."

The 40,143-square-foot building was built in 1948 and made of concrete, steel and wood. It is located about a quarter of mile inside the base from Route 16. The entire one-story building caught fire. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the one building.

There are no reports of any injuries.

An investigation into the exact cause of the fire will be conducted. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest foul play.