Osan firefighters participate in joint fire training

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  • By Staff Sgt. Eric Burks
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  Osan and Camp Humphreys firefighters recently participated in joint live fire training, sharpening their core competency skills through a unique team-building experience.

Thirty firefighters from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire Emergency Services flight gathered with their counterparts at Camp Humphreys July 20 - 21 for the training, which involves burning JP-8 jet fuel as an ignition source.

The training is accomplished bi-annually to meet National Fire Protection Association and Air Force standards, said Master Sgt. Craig Milton, 51st CES. "JP-8 fires simulate conditions which could be encountered in an actual aircraft crash with fire."

Firefighters assigned to Osan complete local live burn requirements using propane due to costs, environmental factors, and accessibility to the fuel source. However, propane does not burn the same as JP-8 and does not provide the same training environment, said Sergeant Milton.

Chief Master Sgt. Scott Knupp, 51st CES, said, "Live fire training with JP-8 provides firefighters the ability to experience the high heat and smoke production produced from this type of fuel."

"Propane allows firefighters to simulate the application techniques and hone their skills, but the use of JP-8 tests those skills under actual scenarios as they would encounter on the flightline," he said. "JP-8 provides our firefighters with real world experience in a controlled training environment."

Live fire training is performed under the supervision of the Assistant Chief of Operations, Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief, said Chief Knupp. Firefighters are trained in application technique and work together with multiple hand lines to most effectively and quickly extinguish the fuel fire.

"In addition to sharpening core competency skills as firefighters," Sergeant Milton said, "training with the Camp Humphreys fire department helps to strengthen the relationship with our sister service and provides a great team-building experience for all involved."