Tampa Fire Rescue conducted live fire training at Tampa International Airport this week, an exercise that included flames up to 40 feet in the air.
The Tampa Fire Rescue Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Division (ARFF) led the Central Florida airport exercise at TPA.
This type of fire is unlike most others Tampa firefighters face because it is produced by jet fuel. The exercise is done at night to reduce concern due to the large plumes of black smoke the fire sends into the air. However, the nighttime visuals are dramatic.
Onlookers often report seeing a large “fireball” from many miles away, according to local officials.
The firefighters train with a metal frame with wings that is placed inside a pit along with jet fuel to simulate an aircraft emergency. This exercise is part of a 40-hour certification class that involves one live-fire training scenario.
Firefighters who complete this exercise become alternates for staffing at the ARFF station located at Tampa International Airport. ARFF Firefighters are required to re-certify in live burn exercises annually.
Tampa International Airport also facilitates outside airports to complete this annual training with Tampa Fire Rescue. Members of the St. Pete – Clearwater International Airport were in attendance to complete their annual re-certification.
Tampa Fire Rescue assigns 45 personnel to the ARFF station, including the airport division chief, a trainer/educator, and one administrative assistant. There are 30 alternate firefighters.
