Hose teams quench the propane flames of a simulated fire on the Mobile Aircrafta Firefighting Training Device. MC2 Doug Harvey/NAS Fallon
Federal Fire Department of Naval Air Station Fallon recently held Airport Firefighting Training for the Ely Airport Firefighters, using a Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training Device (MAFTD).
The Ely team is one of several fire departments who oversee municipal airports or military airfields in Northern Nevada that come to NAS Fallon for this training. The training is mandated annually by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The MAFTD provides a "live" aircraft firefighting experience for civil service, military and civilian firefighters. Unlike the traditional method of open-pit burning with fuel oil, it utilizes propane to simulate an actual event, making it environmentally friendly.
NAS Fallon is one of the few fire departments in Northern Nevada with the resources and experienced personnel needed to conduct this critical training.
"We have the specialized knowledge and required equipment to effectively give this type of training," said Lewis Mellott, Federal Fire Training Chief. "The MAFTD operators must be certified in the use of the equipment and have a background in airfield firefighting."
The fire departments work to meet each other's needs through cooperative training.
"We trade training where we can," Mellott said.
The Navy receives reciprocal training from the other fire departments in their specialized areas and facilities.
"We are happy do this training for anybody that ever requests it," said Mellott, adding requisitions can be made through the State Fire Marshall's Office.