Canadian team the latest to receive intensive, realistic aircraft rescue and disaster training
San Bernardino, CA: Last month, firefighters from Victoria, British Columbia returned to San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center, the west coast’s only facility for aviation firefighting and search and rescue. Members of Victoria International Airport’s Fire Service received instruction in Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF), a highly specialized type of firefighting that involves rapid response, hazard mitigation, evacuation, and rescue of an aircraft’s passengers and crew in the case of an airport ground emergency.
Located at the San Bernardino International Airport (SBD), the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center (SBRETC) is equipped with world-class simulation equipment and offers programs that equip students to respond to real-life emergency scenarios. Says Rob Edie, SBRETC Operations Manager, “We are pleased that a growing number of firefighters from all over the world entrust us with the full range of their training needs.”
With a curriculum developed from historical incidents as well as more common occurrences, SBRETC’s training includes classroom theory, controlled scenarios, and hands-on exercises. It often takes place under “live” fire conditions, offering participants a unique opportunity to evaluate how they might respond in real-life situations.
“The quality of the training we receive at SBRETC meets the tough Canadian Aviation Regulation standards,” said Captain Ben Hughes of Victoria International. “That’s why we keep coming back.” Added his team member, Dave Savage, “Training at SBRETC is cost effective and efficient for our department year after year because no time is wasted during the training hours. The programs are intensive, compact, and delivered by internationally recognized experts.”
About SBRETC: The San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center sets the standard in Aircraft and Rescue Firefighting. The advanced ARFF facility trains both domestic and international fire professionals using the latest in curriculum and equipment. It is run by the San Bernardino County Fire District, the largest fire district in the United States, comprised of 67 fire stations covering an area of 19,278 square miles (50,000 square kilometers) and serving over a million people. Learn more at sbretc.org.
About SBD International Airport: Located approximately 60 miles east of Los Angeles and within 30 minutes of more than two million people, the former Norton Air Force Base was converted to civilian use in 1992 and later became certified as a commercial airport by the FAA. The Airport offers a full range of services and facilities to support general aviation and large-scale cargo operations in the Southern California region, including onsite U.S. Customs, air cargo services, general aviation hangars, and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) businesses. Also on-site is Luxivair SBD, a best-in-class FBO. The Airport is home to the San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center and the U.S. Department of Forestry Airtanker Base. SBD is positioning itself to provide domestic and international passenger service. www.sbdairport.com