Live Fire training keeps firefighters prepared for the fight

Arnold Air Force Base paramedic/firefighters prepare to enter the Kentucky Fire Commission mobile live fire rescue simulation training structure on May 11. Forty-one base firefighters, participated in the annual training experiencing high temperatures and smoke, and practicing firefighting and self-rescue techniques. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rick Goodfriend)

Live Fire training keeps firefighters prepared for the fight

Published June 6, 2017
By Raquel March
AEDC/PA

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. -- For Arnold Air Force Base firefighters, being prepared is paramount to controlling fires during an emergency at the base and Live Fire training is instrumental to their mission.

Forty-one base firefighters participated in a training session May 9-11 to sharpen their basic firefighting skills during an annual structural live fire training session conducted by the Kentucky Fire Commission mobile live fire rescue training simulator.

The training goals are to keep response times efficient and the firefighters’ minds sharp.

During the training, the firefighters fight a ground floor fire and a basement fire, and breach a wall for building egress and rooftop ventilation.

Firefighters may experience temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and limited visibility due to smoke.

The firefighters are able to practice forcible entry, hose stream application, fire attack above and below ground level and emergency self-rescue techniques.