SULLIVAN/MILFORD — A Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircrew participating in a training exercise at Sullivan County International Airport over the weekend identified and reported an active residential structure fire, demonstrating the organization’s vigilance and operational readiness.
At 1:09 p.m. May 2, CAP aircraft launched as part of Mission Aircrew School operations. The crew included Capt. Randy Lewis (mission pilot, New York Wing), 2nd Lt. William Spence (mission observer trainee, Long Island Composite Squadron), and Cadet Tech. Sgt. Randy Albertson (mission scanner trainee, Schenectady Composite Squadron).
At 2:01 p.m., the mission scanner observed visible smoke and flames on the ground off the aircraft’s left wing. Both the mission observer and mission pilot quickly confirmed the observation.
The crew identified the location and relayed the information to Sullivan Mission Base, where Lt. Col. Wayne Smith from the New York Wing subsequently notified emergency services via 911.
The aircrew reported a residential structure fully involved in fire, with no visible occupants and no emergency response units on scene at the time of initial observation. The crew briefly descended to safely verify their assessment before departing the area after receiving confirmation that local fire services were en route.
The aircraft returned to base at 2:18 p.m.
Subsequent reports confirmed the incident as a residential structure fire in Milford, located in Pike County, Pennsylvania. Emergency responders classified the incident as a second-alarm fire, with mutual aid units responding to support operations.
During the mission, Albertson captured still images and a brief video of the incident.
This incident highlights the critical role Civil Air Patrol aircrews play in supporting community safety through vigilance, training, and coordination with local emergency response agencies.
About Civil Air Patrol:
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information.
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