Bowie approves mutual-aid agreement with Shepherd Air Force Base for firefighting support
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Summary
Council approved a mutual-aid agreement with Shepherd AFB that includes a hold-harmless clause for the Air Force when it provides firefighting foam and other assistance; staff said the Air Force had already assisted informally during recent incidents.
Bowie's City Council voted to approve a mutual-aid agreement with Shepherd Air Force Base to allow base fire units to assist local departments, including providing firefighting foam, subject to a hold-harmless clause.
Kirk, who presented the item, described a recent tank-battery fire near Bowie that reignited and prompted a request for assistance from Shepherd AFB. He said the Air Force requires a signed mutual-aid agreement because its lawyers included a hold-harmless provision relating to the provision of foam. "The whole harmless clause is page 3, section F2," Kirk said, and "basically it just says if we provide you with foam, we'll be held harmless in the event of a bad outcome." He also said the Air Force has provided assistance in the region for wildfires and derailments and would be likely to respond if requested but that the signed agreement clarifies liability and allows them to bring foam.
Presenters said the agreement imposes no direct cost to the city. The council moved, seconded and approved the mutual-aid agreement by recorded vote.
Why it matters: The agreement formalizes access to military firefighting capabilities, including foam, for major incidents involving flammable liquids or aircraft at the airport. The hold-harmless clause addresses legal exposure for the Air Force when providing certain firefighting materials.
Meeting action: Council approved the agreement after presentation and recorded unanimous "Aye" votes.