Tampa Republic

Tampa Fire Rescue (TFR) will be conducting a live firefighting training exercise at Tampa International Airport (TPA) on Wednesday, January 17. The exercise, led by TFR's Airport Rescue Fire Fighting Division (ARFF), will involve flames up to 40 feet in the air, created by jet fuel.

According to TFR, this type of fire is different from what firefighters usually face, and the exercise is meant to simulate an aircraft emergency. The training will take place at night to minimize concerns about the large plumes of black smoke produced by the fire. However, the visuals are said to be quite dramatic, with onlookers often reporting seeing a large "fireball" from miles away.

TFR is reassuring the public that if they see a significant amount of smoke in the area of TPA on Wednesday night, there is no cause for alarm. The fire is expected to start at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The live fire training exercise is part of a 40-hour certification class for firefighters, and those who complete the exercise will become alternates for staffing at the ARFF station at TPA. It is also a requirement for ARFF firefighters to re-certify in live burn exercises annually.

In addition to TFR personnel, members of the St. Pete - Clearwater International Airport will be in attendance to complete their annual re-certification.

TFR assigns a total of 45 personnel to the ARFF station at TPA, including the airport division chief, a trainer/educator, and an administrative assistant. There are also 30 alternate firefighters.

For those interested in attending the training exercise, parking is available at the ARFF station on 3911 Bessie Coleman Blvd., Tampa 33607. However, parking is extremely limited, so media representatives are encouraged to carpool if possible.

Due to the secure nature of the training area, all media personnel must RSVP in order to be allowed access. Vehicles without a Tampa International Airport permit will undergo a security sweep by the TPAPD and their bomb-sniffing K9s.

The schedule for the event is as follows:

- 5:00 p.m. - Availability for interviews with Tampa Fire Rescue Airport Division Chief Jim Billotte

- 5:30 p.m. - Firefighter safety briefing (media will be able to record for b-roll)

- 6:00 p.m. - Caravan to training area via Airport Operations Team

- 6:15 p.m. - Arrival at training pit

- 6:30 p.m. - Live Fire Training Exercise

- 7:30 p.m. - Caravan departure to Airport Fire Station via Airport Operations Team

For any questions regarding TPA, contact: Communications@tampaairport.com.

For more information about the event, contact Vivian Shedd, Tampa Fire Rescue PIO, by email at TFR-PIO@tampagov.net.