Luke, Mesa firefighters train together

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class David Owsianka
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Mesa firefighters visited Luke Air Force Base May 4 to train with the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department on how to handle military aircraft emergencies. The Mesa firefighters received the training because the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport is in their response territory and military aircraft land there on a regular basis.

Luke is part of a metropolitan system with off-base partners who train on medical services, structural firefighting techniques, airport rescue, confined space technical rescue and everything that firefighting encompasses.

"What we gain the most from training with the Mesa firefighters is continuity," said Steve Kinkade, 56th CES assistant fire chief of training. "This allows us all to be on the same page if we go to a real emergency together."

Fire departments are required to train on large and small plane firefighting techniques once a year.

"We are going through training that requires a live burn exercise," said Kevin Maschue, Mesa Fire Department captain. "The exterior and interior training on the aircraft prop, along with various scenarios, were very beneficial to us."

For the training Mesa brought an airport rescue fire fighting vehicle, personnel and all required personal protective equipment.

"We were able to compare municipal firefighting techniques and equipment," Mr. Kinkade said. "Mesa and Luke FD have an identical ARFF vehicle and both departments were able to share innovative and technological ideas with each other.

"Working alongside the Mesa FD provided insight to F-16 firefighting strategies and tactics and other information related to ARFF operations," Mr. Kinkade said.