Training's no game for Air Force firies

Volume 48, No. 16, Sepetember 7, 2006

ABOVE: Winch training from a Sikorsky S-76 is a crucial part of regular training undertaken by 322CSS firefighters. BELOW: LAC Jason Filer puts out the flames during a fire training drill at RAAF Base Tindal. Photos by SGT Kevin Berriman

By CAPT Sarah Hawke

THE Sikorsky S-76 search and rescue helicopter is an important resource for the “firies” of 322CSS Fire Section, who are winched out of the helicopter as part of their training.

This is a crucial component of the section’s training program as firefighters may need to be dropped onto a crash site in the remote rugged country of the Northern Territory.

The 25 firefighters from RAAF Base Tindal train regularly to fight various types of fires and deal with a range of emergency situations at the base fire training ground.

The large concrete and dirt training area is covered with the aids needed for emergency scenarios.

In this instance an "F/A-18 Hornet" made from drums and mesh was down and set alight.

Within minutes of the 'aircraft' catching fire, a TFGP (Truck, Fire General Purpose) was on the scene. The crew quickly attacked the fire, with three personnel on hoses and another controlling the water from the truck.

The flames were extinguished and disaster averted within a short time.

Structural firefighting and aircraft familiarisation are other important training functions carried out at the ground.

Airfield Fire Controller SGT Owen Johnson has been a firefighter for 17 years and believes ongoing training is important for the section.

“They need to do it,” he said. “It keeps up their skills and their knowledge.”

The section also has a good relationship with the local Northern Territory Emergency Services firefighters in Katherine.

“We have an understanding with them, and support each other. We’re hoping we’ll have a lot of joint training exercises coming up in the near future.”

The section doesn’t train while aircraft are flying, even during major exercises, as the fire crews are on standby to respond to any genuine emergency.

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