VIDEO: Firefighters at the Chico Regional Airport participated in a vital training exercise to ensure readiness for emergencies. Multiple teams from the Chico Fire Department simulated a commercial aircraft fire, incorporating the rescue of trapped individuals. Battalion Chief Wes Metroka explained the importance of such training, stating,
When we get in incidents on the airport, they’re a low frequency, high risk type of a call. Anything that involves an aircraft, they don’t happen often. So when they do, they have significant chances that it’s going to be something serious.” The teams were not informed of the scenario beforehand to create a realistic emergency environment.
The local air tanker company, Air Spray, provided the plane used in the exercise. Metroka reported that all teams successfully extinguished the fire and rescued the people on board, noting that while there were learning points, the training’s purpose is to enhance preparedness for real emergencies.
