Burn Day at ARFF Regional Training Center

Описание: BURN DAY: WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN AIPORT FIREFIGHTER

Have you ever wondered what makes firefighting at an airport such a unique specialty?

At the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center, County Fire personnel hosts periodic training so that firefighters from agencies from across the U.S. and beyond can earn or maintain the required certifications to be qualified as Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) specialists.

On a typical “burn day,” which ARFF personnel are required to attend annually, #SBCoFD instructors put attendees through crucial hands-on training events designed to simulate real aircraft fires. Simulations inside propane-fueled props as well as ARFF vehicle operations are included.

In one simulation, applicants respond to a crashed airliner, with crews from different agencies working together to fight a fuel fire on the ground while gaining to the passenger cabin to initiate rescue of stranded passengers. Meanwhile, ARFF vehicle drivers knock down flames with turret-mounted water streams.

In another drill, attendees battle aircraft engine and wheel assembly fires and make their way fighting flames in a cockpit as well as throughout the fuselage.

The drills are all orchestrated from the control room of the training facility, where County Fire instructors direct flames on the ground and inside the props.

As with any firefighting, radio communications and crew coordination are tested; attendees typically report feeling challenged by the drills and come away with increased confidence, as well as their certification and a lunch.

Burn days are held throughout the year, with a typical pause during the height (and heat) of summer. ARFF specialists are also required to complete annual academic coursework and credentialling as part of the recertification process.

Media Contact: Ryan Beckers, Public Information Officer
[email protected] (840) 266-1911