Fire crews participate in Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter training at Central Coast Jet Center

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Fire crews from all over the region joined in a live-fire training at the Central Coast Jet Center Wednesday morning.

The Santa Maria Fire along with Santa Barbara Fire, Cal Fire SLO and other agencies participated in putting out a simulated airplane fire at the jet center.

Organizers said this is a chance for fire fighters to practice their skills in the event of a fire emergency on an airplane.

It also gives them a chance to put out fuel fires and interior rescues, organizers said.

"It's important to maintaining our certification to run rescue fire fighting at the Sant Maria Airport," said Jim Clayton of the Santa Maria City Fire Department.

"You don't always get to practice with a live fire prop and they can use their equipment and skills to practice their interior rescue of passengers," said training coordinator Gerald Sign of ARFF.

The training is required by the FAA every year.