Firefighters from the
114th Civil Engineer Squadron simulate extinguishing a fire during the Major
Accident Response Exercise June 18, 2015, Sioux Falls, S.D. The MARE involved
the National Guard, local law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical
technicians and the airport authority and is a three-year requirement of the
Federal Aviation Administration. (National Guard photo by Senior Airman Duane
Duimstra)
SIOUX FALLS,
S.D. - Firefighters from the 114th Civil Engineer Squadron participated in live
fire training May 5-7 at Volk Field, Wisconsin. The live fire training gives
the firefighters the opportunity to learn and gain valuable experience they
normally wouldn't receive during the monthly unit training assembly.
"We normally focus on speed but we are
here to hone our base skill sets," said Senior Master Sgt. Tom Krier,
114th Fighter Wing fire chief.
The firefighters used a simulated C-130
Hercules as their main training tool where different fire scenarios can be
practiced.
"The C-130 is started on fire in
different areas by using propane that is controlled from the control
tower," said Krier. "It gets so hot in there that we also have
sprinklers running the whole time."
During the training, the firefighters focused
on how to properly extinguish engine, cockpit, cargo bay, and exterior fires
using a fire truck, fire hose, and a combination of both. The training also
instilled the importance of teamwork and trust for your fellow firefighter.
"Building that camaraderie is more
important to us than just jumping into a fire playing hero," said Senior
Airman Travis Huft, 114th FW firefighter.
The 114th FW firefighters will continue to
travel to Volk Field as part of their annual training to learn and refresh
their skills.
"We train constantly to be able to
perform our mission," said Krier.
Story by Senior Airman
Duane Duimstra
