TAMPA, Fla. (WWSB) – Tampa Fire Rescue’s Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Division conducted a live-fire training exercise Dec. 2, to meet annual certification requirements for ARFF personnel.
The exercise involved a controlled fire fueled by “Jet A” aircraft fuel, which burns differently than typical structural fire materials. Flames may reach up to 40 feet and could be visible from long distances.
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As a result of daytime exercises producing large plumes of black smoke, the training is scheduled after dark and may create a dramatic fireball effect that can be seen for miles.
Firefighters will use a metal aircraft simulator, complete with wings, positioned in a designated burn pit and fueled with aircraft fuel to replicate an aircraft emergency.
The exercise fulfills the annual live-fire certification required for all ARFF firefighters.
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