Edwards fire training goes high-tech Published May 7, 2004 By Jackie Robertson 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFPN) -- Firefighters here took part in a training exercise May 3 that was designed to keep them on their toes.The unit underwent interior fire-suppression training in a high-tech simulator that creates a realistic environment without causing any monetary damage, said Tom Keightley, 95th Air Base Wing’s fire protection division station chief.Scenarios in the exercise include everything from entering burning buildings and upper-level and basement fires to house and kitchen fires, he said."In a controlled setting, we are able to produce a real fire and all of the heat and smoke associated with it,” he said. “The high degree of heat and smoke the guys experience means that they don't have to create as many pictures in their heads about what a real fire will feel like."The drill also encompasses some mentorship opportunities, Mr. Keightley said. The experience keeps the veteran guys on their toes while they explain to newcomers why the fire reacts the way it does in different situations."We send a crew chief and two firefighters in, and the crew chief can see if the other guys are doing something incorrectly and can explain to them why the fire is reacting the way it is in a less-dangerous environment," he said.The training is mandatory for firefighters here."Even though the drill isn't as intense as a house fire, it allows us to get used to the heat and to practice fire containment," said Robert Fernandez, a firefighter with the 95th ABW’s fire protection division."It's great training," said Kent Courter, another firefighter here. "You are given actual scenarios so you can see what can really happen during a fire."The training is one of several monthly and quarterly exercises intended to increase the preparedness of firefighters to respond to emergencies, Mr. Keightley said.