AEDC firefighters train in West Virginia University training unit

  • Published
  • By Patrick Ary
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  Members of the AEDC Fire Department spent March 27-29 training on how to fight fires using a state-of-the-art training facility on wheels.

The West Virginia University Fire Service Extension trailer allows firefighters to train in a controlled environment. The trailer is set up with two propane-fueled fireplaces on the first floor, is capable of simulating a "rollover" where fire can roll across a ceiling, and a fireplace on the second floor enables firefighters to train on advancing hose lines up stairwells. Operators can also inject theatrical smoke in the trailer.

The AEDC Fire Department is required to conduct live fire training to meet Department of Defense requirements. This is the first year they used the West Virginia University equipment, but they were pleased with the equipment and training.

"If you don't have it, then you lose it," said AEDC Fire Training Officer Jeff Thames. "You'll never forget everything, but the more training you have, the sharper your reactions."

Instructors said the trailer is capable of reaching temperatures of 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit before automatically shutting down. It is also equipped with safety shutoff buttons inside, so the simulation can be stopped immediately in case of an emergency.

Ray Canafax, an adjunct instructor with West Virginia University Fire Service Extension, said AEDC firefighters performed well in the exercises.

"From what we can tell, these guys are very well trained and have a lot of years of experience throughout the crews," he said. "It gives them an opportunity to brush up on the skills they already have and get an experience that they may not get to see in a real situation in a real working structure fire for quite some time."