fire

Don’t be too surprised if you see smoke or fire or huge streams of water coming from a field off Drane Field Road this week. Lakeland firefighters are putting out simulated jet fuel fires near the western edge of Lakeland Linder Regional Airport property.

YouTube Poster

YouTube video

It’s part of an annual training drill required by the FAA.

In the past, the aircraft rescue and firefighting division traveled to air force bases in Tampa and Miami for the training.

But the city has purchased a propane-powered fire simulator for $15,000. Fire department spokeswoman Janel Vasallo said that actually saves money over the cost of travel.

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45 of Lakeland’s firefighters are trained in aircraft rescue, including all of the ones based at the new Station 7 on airport property.

The training exercises continue through Friday.

Other reports and social media posts

https://twitter.com/Torilwalker863/status/686930382302875648

As promised, here’s a video sneak peek at @LakelandFD airport fire training. A lot more on @FOX13News at 6:00. pic.twitter.com/ckBOFTiC0f

— Lucas Bogg (@LucasBoggPhotog) January 12, 2016

The fire simulates an airplane gas leak that has ignited. #Lkld @LakelandFD @FOX13News pic.twitter.com/EFCKZn3syr

— Lucas Bogg (@LucasBoggPhotog) January 12, 2016

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Barry Friedman founded Lkldnow.com in 2015 as the culmination of a career in print and digital journalism. Since 1982, he has used the tools of reporting, editing and content curation to help people in Lakeland understand their community better.

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