Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. (October 18, 2023): In the 1991 thriller Backdraft, New York firefighters battle terrific blazes and perform daring rescues. Despite the Hollywood dramatics, however, no other firefighter faces the types of fires, from minor explosions to flaming aircraft, that Air Force firefighters do. In this stunning photo by Senior Airman Zachary Rufus, Staff Sergeant Alex Urrutia, a lead fire protection specialist with the 99th Civil Engineering Squadron, extinguishes a blaze during structural fire training.

The 99th Civil Engineer Squadron manages all types of hazardous materials, from jet fuels to explosives, making their mission unique among the firefighting community. Like their civilian counterparts, Air Force firefighters’ main mission is the protection of life and property, but that is where their duties really begin. Unlike civilian fire departments, the Air Force must be capable of rescuing downed aircraft crews, on land or sea, in all weather, night and day.

To become a fire protection specialist or firefighter for the Air Force, candidates must complete 7.5 weeks of basic training and then 68 days of technical training at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas.

At Goodfellow, Airmen study Swift Water Rescue, Marine firefighting, Hazardous Material Response, and Urban Search and Rescue. They also train in patient triage, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and basic emergency medical technician knowledge. Firefighters are also certified on fire hose appliances, safe ladder procedures, forcible entry and ventilation tactics, and proper wear of personal protective equipment.

Just like their civilian cousins, Air Force firefighters knowingly go into dangerous situations and never allow fear or stress to overcome them.