https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/hillsboroughcounty/tampa-airport-fire-firefighter-training-exercise/67-2cdad0a6-a738-4d54-8474-cca76f6eb856?fbclid=IwY2xjawOcLJBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe_oIlOlktGmu7hFnw3xeYH_702UxBkr1sFg7Hesrethq6Vt96kFX3aR8AF-c_aem_0QVQTBio765O0E4l5lXAmAThose passing by Tampa International Airport on Tuesday evening may see flames that could reach up to 40 feet.
Author: Bryce Johnson
TAMPA, Fla. — If you notice a massive fire coming from Tampa International Airport on Tuesday evening, don't be alarmed.
Starting at 6 p.m., Tampa Fire Rescue’s Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) Division is performing a live fire training exercise on TPA property.
This is done to meet annual certification requirements for agency personnel. TFR has 45 ARFF staff members, including the airport division chief, a trainer, an administrative assistant and 30 alternate firefighters who assist as needed.
The division operates specialized vehicles equipped with large amounts of foam and between 1,500-3,000 gallons of water. Some trucks feature a unique nozzle system capable of piercing an aircraft’s fuselage to deliver foam directly inside in the event of an airplane fire.
The training includes a controlled fire fueled by Jet A aircraft fuel, which is different from typical structural fires.
Those passing by the airport may see flames that could reach up to 40 feet, making them visible from miles away. The training is intentionally done after dark as daytime exercises produce large plumes of black smoke. Doing it at night could create a dramatic “fireball” effect that can be seen for miles. During the exercise, firefighters will use a metal aircraft simulator — complete with wings — set in a designated burn pit and fueled with Jet A to replicate an aircraft emergency.
Following the first exercise at 6 p.m., a second fire training exercise will happen at 6:45.
"If you’re near Tampa International Airport this week, don’t be alarmed if you notice flames or a bright orange glow coming from the airfield," TPA officials wrote in a statement.
