MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting set out at dusk, with the sun already touching the hills over east Miramar, to conduct a training exercise to battle a controlled fire, April 27. The Marines drove fire trucks to a simulated crash site, where they practiced extinguishing an inferno that reached temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees.
Every week, ARFF Marines train to build confidence and prepared for possible emergencies on the flight line.
Marines are trained for a worst-case scenario. The more hands-on training provided to the Marines, the more prepared and confident they will become when they have to act during an emergency, explained Sgt. William French, an assistant section leader with ARFF and a Whittier, Calif., native.
The Fire Ball training consists of using dirty and left-over jet fuel, which Marines pour into a shallow pool containing a simulated aircraft.
Two teams of two Marines handling water hoses attack the towering flames from both sides. This allows the Marines to extinguish the flames as they work to the other side of the pool.
Marines also practice dousing the fire with water cannons attached to the top of the trucks. The water from the cannon covers 90 percent of the fire and allows ARFF Marines to extinguish it quickly.
The first time participating in a Fire Ball training exercise is both scary and exciting for ARFF Marines.
“It’s scary actually being so close to the flames,” said Pfc. Aaron Allen, a terateman with ARFF and a Long Island, N.Y., native. “But the sergeants and staff sergeants helped guide me and it built confidence for the next time.”
Many factors can affect a fire, such as wind and the amount of fuel, but training helps the Marines experience and prepare for everything.
Firefighting and rescuing is a team effort. ARFF Marines train everyday to ensure they are prepared for any possible emergency.
Date Taken: | 04.27.2012 |
Date Posted: | 05.02.2012 17:15 |
Story ID: | 87739 |
Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA, US |
Hometown: | LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK, US |
Hometown: | WHITTIER, CALIFORNIA, US |
Web Views: | 179 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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