JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Fires roared on the east side of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph three nights last week, providing a realistic scenario for an important training exercise that is repeated at least twice a year.
Attired in full gear, JBSA-Randolph Fire Emergency Services firefighters engaged in live fire training, battling blazes in and around a large metal aircraft mockup, the focal point of the Camp Talon fire training grounds near the recycling center.
Although aircraft fires are rare at JBSA locations, engaging in ARFF – aircraft rescue and firefighting – training gives firefighters the ability to successfully contain and extinguish blazes should they occur on or off base.
“The purpose of the aircraft live fire training is to provide a realistic and safe opportunity for firefighters to apply techniques learned and honed throughout their careers,” said Mark Ledford, JBSA FES chief.
The mockup, which uses a much safer and cleaner-burning propane system instead of diesel or jet fuel, is designed to simulate fire in engines, auxiliary power units, batteries, cargo areas and flight decks, Ledford said.
“What’s really unique is the person controlling the fires can create different scenarios so we can exercise various types of aircraft configurations,” he said. “As the firefighters apply firefighting agent, the fires can be reduced or if they don’t use the correct techniques, the fires can increase or spread to other areas.”
Firefighters attend to various tasks, including driver duties, approaching the aircraft, preparing a rescue path, putting boots on the ground and advancing on the fire if it’s safe to do so, said Cliff Martinez, JBSA-Randolph FES section chief. They also practice fire stream maneuvers, such as how to apply foam, and fight fires involving flammable and combustible liquids. Foam is not used during the live fire training, but techniques are discussed in great detail.
“Our first priority is life, then property,” he said.
Teamwork and safety are essential, Martinez said.
“We work on overall communication – how to work together as a team,” he said. “Even in training, it’s still a dangerous situation, so safety is a main consideration.”
Ledford also emphasized the importance of safety in live fire training.
“There is always a safety officer assigned and a team of firefighters standing by in full gear,” he said.
Live fire training prepares firefighters for many scenarios, said Tech. Sgt. Jared Rhodes, JBSA-Randolph assistant chief of training.
“We have aircraft here, so we have to have the ability to do live burns,” he said. “Fires can happen anywhere – on or off base. That’s why we also try to do exercises with surrounding communities.”
In addition, live fire training gives firefighters the opportunity to practice under controlled conditions, Ledford said.
“If they don’t apply a correct technique, we can always back up and start over again versus having a real-world situation where there’s only once chance to get it right.”
Live fire training also provides mentorship opportunities and builds morale, Ledford said.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for the more experienced firefighters to show the less experienced how it’s done,” he said. “It’s also a great morale builder as most of the firefighters enjoy a chance to show off their skills.”