TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Fire Rescue will be conducting live fire training at Tampa International Airport tonight, January 17, at 5 p.m. , an exercise that will include flames up to 40 feet in the air.
The Tampa Fire Rescue Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Division (ARFF) will lead the exercise.
This type of fire is unlike most other Tampa firefighters experience because it is produced by jet fuel. The exercise is done at night to reduce concern due to the large plumes of black smoke the fire sends into the air.
However, the nighttime visuals are dramatic. Onlookers often report seeing a large “fireball” from many miles away.
Read: Tampa Bay Lightning Bolstered By Play Of Several Rookies
Tampa Fire Rescue is asking the public not to be alarmed if a large amount of smoke is seen in the area of Tampa International Airport tonight. The fire should start at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The firefighters train with a metal frame with wings placed inside a pit and jet fuel to simulate an aircraft emergency.
This exercise is part of a 40-hour certification class that involves one live-fire training scenario. Firefighters completing this exercise will become alternates for staffing at the ARFF station located at Tampa International Airport. ARFF Firefighters are required to re-certify in live burn exercises annually.
Tampa International Airport also facilitates outside airports to complete this annual training with Tampa Fire Rescue. Members of the St. Pete – Clearwater International Airport will be in attendance to complete their annual re-certification.
Tampa Fire Rescue assigns 45 personnel to the ARFF station, including the airport division chief, a trainer/educator, and one administrative assistant. There are 30 alternate firefighters.
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.