Kirkuk firefighters battle traffic, insurgents

Sgt. Michael Tuttle

Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division visited the Kirkuk Fire Department Headquarters recently to assess their capabilities and find out how their service can be improved.

Firefighters from the Kirkuk Fire Department Headquarters talk to a C Co. 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment Soldier recently. Photo by Staff Sgt. Eric Pahon

The visit was part of C Co., 2nd Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment's daily goal to work with city organizations.

The fire department was found to be well-equipped, including at least four operational fire engines, and manned around the clock. However, their firefighters must struggle through traffic jams and the risk of enemy contact when responding to emergencies.

"Our roads are very, very busy. And when there are fires it gets very difficult to get there," said Lt. Jazi Samir, department operations lieutenant.

"Security is the bigger problem. Sometimes when we are called to a fire at night, there is no Iraqi police or army. So we are trying to get to the fire and we get shot by the bad guys," Samir said.

It was determined that the firefighters need more barriers, more concertina wire and body armor for their guards, said 2nd Lt. Vincent Kuchar, C Co. platoon leader.

C Co. also plans to work with local police to focus on protecting the firefighters, Kuchar said.

"Every time that we stop it lets the people of Kirkuk know that we care, and that we're looking to improve ... their fire or police department," said Kuchar. "It's a trying process and it takes a lot of time. So, 'ashway ashway,' as it's said in Arabic, slowly and step by step, but we'll get these guys on the right foot."

judythpiazza@gmail.com