NASA Ames Fire Department Aircraft Firefighting Training

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Published: 2026-09-06T03:20:27.892Z • Permanent link

NASA's Ames Fire Department has been training its firefighters to combat aircraft fires using a unique approach. Led by Chief of Fire, Mike Farris, the team has been utilizing a modified Boeing 747 aircraft as a mobile training facility. The aircraft, which is equipped with a 100-foot aerial ladder and a fire suppression system, is used to simulate real-world scenarios and provide hands-on training for firefighters. The training program, which includes both theoretical and practical components, aims to prepare firefighters for the challenges of fighting fires in aircraft and on surrounding terrain.

The training program has been developed in collaboration with NASA's Ames Research Center, which has provided the aircraft and expertise. The program's lead instructor, Dr. John Taylor, a renowned expert in fire behavior and aircraft firefighting, has worked closely with the NASA Ames Fire Department to design the training curriculum. The program has been in operation for several years, with the first class graduating in 2019. Since then, over 100 firefighters from across the United States have received training on the aircraft.

The training program has been widely recognized as a best practice in the field of aircraft firefighting. In 2020, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) awarded the NASA Ames Fire Department a grant to further develop and expand the training program. The grant, which was worth over $1 million, has enabled the department to upgrade the aircraft and expand the training curriculum to include more realistic scenarios.

The development of the NASA Ames Fire Department's aircraft firefighting training program has significant implications for the aviation industry. Aircraft fires are a major concern for airlines, airports, and aircraft manufacturers, as they can pose a significant risk to passenger safety. The training program's focus on realistic scenarios and hands-on training has been widely praised by industry experts, who recognize the importance of preparing firefighters for the challenges of fighting fires in aircraft.

The training program has also had a significant impact on the research community. The NASA Ames Fire Department has partnered with several research institutions to conduct studies on aircraft fires and firefighting techniques. These studies have provided valuable insights into the behavior of aircraft fires and the effectiveness of different firefighting strategies. The findings of these studies have been published in several peer-reviewed journals and have contributed to the development of new firefighting technologies and techniques.

The development of the NASA Ames Fire Department's aircraft firefighting training program is part of a larger trend towards increased investment in aviation safety. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of aviation safety, driven in part by high-profile incidents and accidents. In response, several governments and industry organizations have launched initiatives to improve aviation safety, including the development of new safety regulations and the implementation of advanced safety technologies.