LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Training plays a large part in the life of 47th Civil Engineer Squadron (CES) firefighters. Whether it's in the classroom studying tactics, preparing equipment, or visiting the simulators to train against actual fire, the experience gained in practice helps save lives in real-world emergencies.
One of the primary facilities where firefighters train is the aircraft simulator, a large metal mock-up of an aircraft with several points that can be lit to bring fire to life. The fires allow for Airmen to train against the heat and flames, working as a team to put out the fire sources.
“Training like this is valuable because we have so many different jobs and tasks to do,” said Airman 1st Class William Joy, 47th CES firefighter. “Going out with our handlines to live burns keeps us up to date on our equipment and keeps us prepared and ready to respond to any emergency.”
To fight the fires at the simulator Airmen used handlines, handheld hoses and nozzles connected directly to a firetruck, to attack the flames on foot.
“This training is important. We would rather have the opportunity to mess up while we practice than in an actual emergency,” said Airman Preston Hurst, 47th CES firefighter. “The practice here makes us better firefighters, so it’s good that we get to practice a lot.”
The required semi-annual training gives firefighters the ability to hone specific parts of their skills such as the proper steps to approach a large spread-out fire, the correct techniques to put out a fire in an engine cell and the correct spray patterns to apply when approaching the fuselage of a burning aircraft.
“This builds the confidence of Airmen to identify fire behavior, the techniques and the tools Airmen need to fight a fire,” said Ricky Reyna, 47th CES assistant chief of training. “The confidence then helps them when there is an actual emergency. We deal with a large variety of emergencies, it could be an aircraft fire, structure fire, dumpster fire, there are a wide range of things, so training like this is invaluable to maintaining those skills.”
As Laughlin continues its mission to train the best pilots in the world, firefighters will continue being ready to respond to any emergency, standing by to save lives.