Cannon firefighters help in Texico blaze Published Oct. 2, 2006 27th Fighter Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Cannon Fire Department responded to a request to render mutual aid for a 5,500 gallon fuel spill near Texico on Sept. 20. Two Cannon firefighters responded by pulling the base's 1,000 gallon foam trailer to the spill and teamed with Texico and Clovis Fire Departments to lay a foam suppression blanket and contain the spilled diesel fuel. The Cannon crew used approximately 500 gallons of foam in the clean-up process, which lasted almost 11 hours. Cannon has existing mutual aid agreements with six fire districts in Curry and Roosevelt counties, said Chief Master Sergeant Ivan Godwin, Cannon Fire Chief, adding that the goal of rendering mutual aid is to prevent and minimize loss of life, property and the environment. So far this year, Cannon has responded to 10 mutual-aid requests, three more than last year, due to the severity of the summer wildland fire season. As Air Force staffing reshapes and reductions become more prevalent, cooperative relationships will be even more vital, said Chief Godwin. Mutual-aid agreements extend beyond emergency responses to public education, such as Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 8-14. Cannon will have base and public school events and displays throughout the week.