The fire started quickly, spreading through the residence in base housing.

When it was finally out, it left one McChord Field family without nearly 90 percent of their belongings.

Fortunately for the family of five, the outpouring of support from the McChord community was just as swift, and perhaps even stronger than the blaze.

"(The family) has been more overwhelmed with the amount of support; more than even the incident itself," said Tech. Sgt. Curtis Davis, a first sergeant in the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron who helped organize the support effort.

As soon as news spread of the Oct. 17 fire, first sergeants within the squadron sent out emails to various on-base support organizations. They also courtesy copied the unit's Key Spouses.

"Once they got word of it, the word spread pretty quickly," Davis said.

Davis was flooded with cash and clothing donations from people and organizations on McChord Field as well as Joint Base Lewis-McChord Main.

"I've actually gotten calls and emails from as far away as Spokane," Davis said.

Davis said he's even had to turn some away who wanted to donate furniture.

The McChord Enlisted Spouses Club immediately mobilized and raised $300 to donate to the family.

The motion was approved unanimously, according to ESC secretary Debra Tenbuch.

Ashley Dozier, a cadet with the Air Force JROTC unit at Clover Park High School whose father is an Airman in the 62nd AMXS, also mobilized to start a drive and take donations and items other cadets within the squadron wished to donate.

"That's just the bigger Air Force family mobilizing," Davis said. "It never ceases to amaze me with how fast we can come together. Word travels even faster nowadays with social media."

Davis said everyone involved in the support effort has also learned something from the experience.

"Most of us learned to be real specific when it comes to people's questions on how exactly they can help," he said.

The family is now doing well, Davis added.

For those who would like to donate money to the family, email Sergeant Davis at curtis.davis.4@us.af.mil.