NAVFAC Northwest Team Recognized for Swift Fire Response

When a fire broke out inside the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor Materials Recycling Facility earlier this year, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Northwest personnel jumped into action, demonstrating quick-thinking and adaptability worthy of recognition.

The fire, which started in a horizontal old corrugated container baler during end-of-day operations, involved smoldering cardboard. An investigation following the incident determined lithium batteries ignited the fire. Thanks to the immediate response of the team on site, the incident resulted in no injuries to personnel and minimal damage to the equipment valued at more than $300,000.

NAVFAC Northwest integrated solid waste management and recycle operations supervisor, Paul McFadden, said his team’s professionalism and composure during the fire demonstrated the vital role NAVFAC Northwest plays in maintaining safe and operational shore facilities.

“Our mission is to keep the fleet operating at full capacity, which means ensuring our shore facilities are safe, secure, and resilient,” said McFadden. “When this fire broke out, the crew acted quickly, communicated effectively, and worked alongside Commander, Navy Region Northwest Fire Department to get the situation under control.”

Among those recognized include Alexander Cabig, Thomas Foley, Gabrielle Kozitza, Chase Rockwell, Mario Roy, Nicholaus Thomas, Von Mejia, Greame Gerou, and Frank Stratman.

Kozitza initially noticed the smoke and immediately cut power to the machine. She then helped remove smoldering cardboard and later operated the baler to push materials out so firefighters could reach the fire source. “When I first noticed the situation, my initial thought was, ‘smoke, something is on fire,” said Kozitza. “After I shut off the power, I worked with the team to clear out the smoldering material and give the fire department access. Everyone knew what to do and stayed focused.”

Foley, who had been in a meeting with McFadden when the call came in, said his first concern was shutting down all power to prevent further escalation. “I called over the radio to secure the power and then made sure the main power panel was locked out and tagged out,” said Foley. “We had crews moving pallets and clearing debris, and we worked with the fire department to run bales through the machine so they could get to the source of the fire.”

Other team members instrumental in the fire response reflected on how safety, collaboration, and workplace culture shape their daily work. They agreed that staying alert, working cohesively, reporting every incident and having leadership recognition not only reinforces good practices, but also fosters positive change and ensures safety remains the top priority.

“Fires are an unavoidable risk in industrial operations, but when they occur, they require immediate and coordinated response to mitigate the damage and maintain operational capability,” said McFadden. “Situations like these highlight why our people are our most valuable resource.”