If you’re near Tampa International Airport this week, don’t be alarmed if you notice flames or a bright orange glow coming from the airfield. Tampa Fire Rescue’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Division will be conducting its annual, FAA-mandated live fire training exercises over several evenings.
These exercises involve a controlled fire fueled by Jet A aircraft fuel—a substance very different from what’s used in typical structural fires. Flames may reach up to 40 feet high and can be visible from long distances. Because daytime exercises produce large plumes of black smoke, the training is held after dark to minimize disruption. The nighttime conditions often create a dramatic “fireball” effect that can be seen for miles.
Tampa Fire Rescue staffs 45 personnel at the airport’s ARFF station, including an Airport Division Chief and approximately 30 alternate firefighters who assist as needed. The 
division operates specialized vehicles equipped with large quantities of foam and between 1,500 and 3,000 gallons of water. Some trucks feature a unique nozzle system capable of piercing an aircraft’s fuselage to deliver foam directly inside in the event of an onboard fire.
In addition to emergency fire response, the ARFF team handles medical calls, elevator entrapments, and other incidents across airport property.
The live fire training exercise is not open to the public, but local media coverage is expected Tuesday night or Wednesday morning following a scheduled media event.
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