NAF Atsugi Fire Department Earns International Accreditation

Story by Taylor Ardito September 1, 2026 at 12:58AM Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi firefighters assigned to Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ) Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) returned from Chicago last week after earning accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a commission of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), making NAF Atsugi Fire Department the first installation fire department in CNRJ to achieve the distinction.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573630/naf-atsugi-fire-department-earns-international-accreditation"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2604/9617803/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="NAF Atsugi Fire Department Earns International Accreditation" /></a>

NAF Atsugi Fire Department Earns International Accreditation

Story by Taylor Ardito September 1, 2026 at 12:58AM Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi firefighters assigned to Commander, Navy Region Japan (CNRJ) Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) returned from Chicago last week after earning accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a commission of the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), making NAF Atsugi Fire Department the first installation fire department in CNRJ to achieve the distinction.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573630/naf-atsugi-fire-department-earns-international-accreditation"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2604/9617803/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="NAF Atsugi Fire Department Earns International Accreditation" /></a>

Training Before the Call: Patriot 26 Builds Rescue Teams Before Disaster Strikes

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Brittany Conley August 28, 2026 at 03:45PM During Patriot 26, National Guard Airmen and Soldiers trained alongside civilian emergency responders at Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center and Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, Aug. 24-28, 2026, to strengthen technical rescue and domestic response capabilities. The training brought together firefighters, medics, CERFP search and extraction personnel and civilian rescue experts to practice rope rescue, structural collapse response, breaching, lifting and other skills needed during large-scale emergencies.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573484/training-before-call-patriot-26-builds-rescue-teams-before-disaster-strikes"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9894010/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Training Before the Call: Patriot 26 Builds Rescue Teams Before Disaster Strikes" /></a>

152nd CES firefighters build readiness through aircraft rescue training

Story by Airman Aaron Lopez August 28, 2026 at 02:16PM Firefighters from the 152nd Civil Engineering Squadron conducted live-fire aircraft rescue and firefighting training Aug. 4, 2026, at the Combat Readiness Training Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. The training provided military and civilian firefighters hands-on experience with large-frame aircraft, hose lines, nozzles and specialized aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles while maintaining required certifications. The propane-fueled exercise exposed firefighters to heat and fire behavior in a controlled environment, strengthening their readiness to respond to aircraft emergencies and other all-hazards incidents.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573478/152nd-ces-firefighters-build-readiness-through-aircraft-rescue-training"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9852015/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="152nd CES firefighters build readiness through aircraft rescue training" /></a>

Pa. National Guard conducts helicopter orientation for emergency responders

Story by Wayne Hall August 28, 2026 at 09:31AM ST MARYS, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Army National Guard conducted a helicopter orientation training event for emergency responders Aug. 26 at the St. Marys Municipal Airport. About 80 firefighters and rescue personnel from several fire companies in the communities surrounding the airport and the Guard’s regional flight routes attended the unique training experience.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573442/pa-national-guard-conducts-helicopter-orientation-emergency-responders"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9892972/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Pa. National Guard conducts helicopter orientation for emergency responders" /></a>

121 ARW Airmen strengthened NATO partnerships in Portugal

Story by Staff Sgt. Ivy Thomas August 26, 2026 at 06:13AM LAJES FIELD AIR BASE, Portugal- Airmen and firefighters from the 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW), the 65th Air Base Group, and the Lajes Field Fire Department trained together during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Lajes Field Air Base, Portugal, Aug. 3–15, 2026. The two-week training mission gave Airmen hands-on experience with real-world operations, strengthened NATO partnerships, and enhanced readiness through shared expertise and hands-on collaboration.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573232/121-arw-airmen-strengthened-nato-partnerships-portugal"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9870949/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="121 ARW Airmen strengthened NATO partnerships in Portugal" /></a>

121 ARW Airmen strengthened NATO partnerships in Portugal

Story by Staff Sgt. Ivy Thomas August 26, 2026 at 06:13AM LAJES FIELD AIR BASE, Portugal- Airmen and firefighters from the 121st Air Refueling Wing (ARW), the 65th Air Base Group, and the Lajes Field Fire Department trained together during a Deployment for Training (DFT) at Lajes Field Air Base, Portugal, Aug. 3–15, 2026. The two-week training mission gave Airmen hands-on experience with real-world operations, strengthened NATO partnerships, and enhanced readiness through shared expertise and hands-on collaboration.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573232/121-arw-airmen-strengthened-nato-partnerships-portugal"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9870949/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="121 ARW Airmen strengthened NATO partnerships in Portugal" /></a>

Anniston Army Depot Fire Department strengthens ties through mutual aid training

Story by Pachari Middleton August 24, 2026 at 10:35AM Anniston Army Depot and City of Anniston firefighters conducted joint fire attack training during a controlled burn of a residential structure on July 20, 2026, reinforcing the importance of a mutual aid agreement ANAD has with surrounding municipal fire departments.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573073/anniston-army-depot-fire-department-strengthens-ties-through-mutual-aid-training"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9885205/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Anniston Army Depot Fire Department strengthens ties through mutual aid training" /></a>

Anniston Army Depot Fire Department strengthens ties through mutual aid training

Story by Pachari Middleton August 24, 2026 at 10:35AM Anniston Army Depot and City of Anniston firefighters conducted joint fire attack training during a controlled burn of a residential structure on July 20, 2026, reinforcing the importance of a mutual aid agreement ANAD has with surrounding municipal fire departments.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/573073/anniston-army-depot-fire-department-strengthens-ties-through-mutual-aid-training"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9885205/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Anniston Army Depot Fire Department strengthens ties through mutual aid training" /></a>

One Flame: The Efficacy of CPFD and Partners

Story by Cpl. Jacqueline Akamelu August 20, 2026 at 07:55PM Roughly 126,000 acres, 95% of which is undeveloped, the land covering the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is home to oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub and chaparral, dunes and bluffs, wetlands and vernal pools and riparian corridors. In the dry, hot climate of Southern California, these areas face a high risk of harm, with an average of over 101 wildfires per year on Camp Pendleton. The key to protecting these areas, along with residential areas and the local community, lies in intricate, thorough communication, readiness and interagency relations among the Camp Pendleton Fire Department, the Regional Defense Operations Center (RDOC), CAL FIRE and the Cleveland National Forest Service. Emergency services, practiced over the decades and implemented in recent years, protect the land we call home, with life preservation as the priority.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/572879/one-flame-efficacy-cpfd-and-partners"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9880713/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="One Flame: The Efficacy of CPFD and Partners" /></a>

Fort Leonard Wood firefighter, LRC bring 1943 fire truck back to life after 13-year restoration project

Story by Tiffany Wood August 20, 2026 at 11:45AM After a 13-year-long restoration project, an 83-year-old fire engine has a chance at a new mission due to the vision and tenacity of one local firefighter.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/572834/fort-leonard-wood-firefighter-lrc-bring-1943-fire-truck-back-life-after-13-year-restoration-project"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9879557/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Fort Leonard Wood firefighter, LRC bring 1943 fire truck back to life after 13-year restoration project" /></a>

USAG Stuttgart hosts fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge

Story by Margarita Cambest August 18, 2026 at 10:21AM By Margarita Cambest and Balmina Sehra USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs More than 80 firefighters gathered from around Germany to test their firefighting skills at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart's fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge Aug. 15 on Panzer Kaserne. The five-part physical test known as the "toughest two minutes in sports" brings together local German host-nation fire departments and U.S. Army garrison teams from across Europe to build partnership and test core skills.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/572638/usag-stuttgart-hosts-fourth-annual-firefighter-combat-challenge"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9875037/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="USAG Stuttgart hosts fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge" /></a>

USAG Stuttgart hosts fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge

Story by Margarita Cambest August 18, 2026 at 10:21AM By Margarita Cambest and Balmina Sehra USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs More than 80 firefighters gathered from around Germany to test their firefighting skills at U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart's fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge Aug. 15 on Panzer Kaserne. The five-part physical test known as the "toughest two minutes in sports" brings together local German host-nation fire departments and U.S. Army garrison teams from across Europe to build partnership and test core skills.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/572638/usag-stuttgart-hosts-fourth-annual-firefighter-combat-challenge"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9875037/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="USAG Stuttgart hosts fourth annual Firefighter Combat Challenge" /></a>

Forged by fire: 86th CES firefighters train for the call

Story by Airman 1st Class Joseph Curzi August 11, 2026 at 01:48AM At the 86th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services flight, firefighters spend countless hours sharpening the physical skills, technical knowledge and teamwork needed to respond at a moment's notice.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/572022/forged-fire-86th-ces-firefighters-train-call"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9862040/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Forged by fire: 86th CES firefighters train for the call" /></a>

Community partnerships help drive Fort McCoy’s support of National Night Out

Story by Scott Sturkol August 9, 2026 at 01:59AM Every summer on the first Tuesday in August, communities across the nation gather for National Night Out, an event designed to strengthen relationships between residents and the police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders who serve them.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571914/community-partnerships-help-drive-fort-mccoys-support-national-night-out"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9858534/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Community partnerships help drive Fort McCoy’s support of National Night Out" /></a>

Future Soldiers get hands-on training as 1-186 Infantry preps for E3B

Story by Maj. Wayne Clyne August 6, 2026 at 05:03PM Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, Oregon Army National Guard, trained at Salt Creek Training Area near White City, Ore., July 30 to Aug. 2, 2026, in preparation for next year's E3B testing event. Oregon Military Department wildland firefighters from Camp Rilea provided fire coverage throughout the training, which included blank-fire weapon stations and a movement-under-direct-fire lane. The training culminated Aug. 1 with a well-attended Guard for a Day event that gave local recruiters and interested young adults hands-on exposure to Army weapons systems and training<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571801/future-soldiers-get-hands-training-1-186-infantry-preps-e3b"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9855065/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Future Soldiers get hands-on training as 1-186 Infantry preps for E3B" /></a>

U.S. Naval Hospital Rota Demonstrates Readiness During Mass Casualty Exercise

Story by Lt.Cmdr. Alicia Sacks August 5, 2026 at 03:00PM ROTA, Spain — U.S. Naval Hospital Rota conducted a mass casualty exercise in partnership with Naval Station Rota, the Federal Fire Department and other units across the installation on June 25, 2026. The exercise tested the hospital’s ability to respond rapidly and effectively to a large-scale emergency.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571668/us-naval-hospital-rota-demonstrates-readiness-during-mass-casualty-exercise"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9852396/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="U.S. Naval Hospital Rota Demonstrates Readiness During Mass Casualty Exercise" /></a>

Regional wildfire exercise strengthens military community resilience

Story by Dustin Senger August 4, 2026 at 05:15PM Emergency managers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and government officials representing four Northeast Florida military installations and local, state and federal partner agencies tested regional coordination Aug. 4 during a tabletop exercise built around worsening drought and wildfire conditions.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571561/regional-wildfire-exercise-strengthens-military-community-resilience"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9850152/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="Regional wildfire exercise strengthens military community resilience" /></a>

BB 26-1: Airmen respond to simulated grounded drone

Story by Senior Airman Amy Kelley August 3, 2026 at 04:12PM KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 18th Security Forces Squadron, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighters and explosive ordnance disposal team collaborated in a simulated emergency response during exercise BB26-1 at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Aug. 3, 2026. The scenario involved a grounded drone, requiring a coordinated safety sweep and the establishment of a secure perimeter.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571424/bb-26-1-airmen-respond-simulated-grounded-drone"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9847027/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="BB 26-1: Airmen respond to simulated grounded drone" /></a>

169th firefighters forge combat-ready skills in first DFT to Germany

Story by 1st Lt. Nicole Szews August 2, 2026 at 11:40AM SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany — Firefighters assigned to the 169th Fighter Wing, South Carolina Air National Guard, weren't just training this time — they were breaking new ground. Over two weeks in-country, the unit led its first-ever Deployment for Training (DFT) on German soil, gaining hands-on experience in unfamiliar territory alongside firefighters assigned to the 52nd Fighter Wing — the kind of training that helps build combat-ready firefighters prepared to answer the call wherever the mission takes them.<br /><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/571339/169th-firefighters-forge-combat-ready-skills-first-dft-germany"><img src="https://d1ldvf68ux039x.cloudfront.net/thumbs/photos/2608/9844778/250w_q95.jpg" width="250" alt="169th firefighters forge combat-ready skills in first DFT to Germany" /></a>