Kandahar Air Wing fire department continues basic fire training

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jamie Humphries
  • 438th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
KABUL, Afghanistan (AFNS) --   Members of the Kandahar fire department, in conjunction with the 683rd Army Fire Department detachment continued basic three-level training on base with Afghan airmen here recently.

Officials said the training curriculum is modeled after the National Fire Protection Association and there are three levels of upgrade training with the current level being the basic level. Once level three is complete, airmen will work toward their two-level certification.

The purpose of the training was to add some tools to the Afghan airmen's firefighter toolbox that will provide and assist them in rescuing victims from two-story buildings as well as help them to raise and lower equipment during fire ground operations, officials said. This training speeds up response reactions and allows for safe fire ground operations.

Not having prior fire experience before joining the Afghan air force, Kandahar AW firefighters said the airmen were excited and motivated to begin their current training evolution.

"The (Afghan air force) firefighters are very enthusiastic to receive any and all training we can provide them with," said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Perez, a firefighter from the 738th Air Expeditionary Advisory Group. "It gives me great pride to assist the (Afghan air force) firefighters with the training and directly impact this nation's goal to succeed as an independent nation."

U.S. firefighter advisers said, additional goals for this block of training are to complete ground ladder instruction including inspecting, carrying, raising, ascending, lowering and rescuing victims from fire hazards. Teams also worked on identifying hazards and safe carrying methods. After completion of these methods of training, teams practiced tying basic fire ground knots as well as equipment tie off for raising and lowering of critical equipment and supplies.

These skills were recently put to the test when Afghan air force firefighters responded to extinguish a fire in a shipping storage unit near their property.

"I am very appreciative of what the training is doing to assist this fire department," said Lt. Muhammed Noor, the Afghan air force fire chief.

Further upgrade training is scheduled.