Prep For Your training
What to Expect
Our program combines comprehensive classroom instruction with daily hands-on training, prioritizing safety and emphasizing real-world ARFF scenarios. During the final two days of the 40-hour course, you’ll engage in hand-line operations alongside live fuel fires, utilizing our aircraft mock-up, and ARFF truck exercises within the same simulation area to reinforce critical skills.
What to Bring
Appropriate Clothing
Bring your bunker gear: coat, pants, boots, hood, gloves and helmet. We recommend bringing a couple extra changes of cotton base layers. You can bring extrication gloves for use during training evolutions where we aren't in a "live fire" environment.
Required Documents
Bring your state ID. Trainees will also be required to sign the Wyoming Regional ARFF Training Facility Participant Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Media Agreement upon arriving at the facility, prior to training commencement.
Personal Gear
Water is provided, but we recommend bringing a larger, reusable insulated water bottle and any snacks you would like. You will have the opportunity to have lunch off campus, so check out the local restaurants.
40-Hour Class and Hand-Line Practical
Make sure to have cotton workout clothes to wear under you bunkers. Your bunker gear which includes your helmet, hood, coat, pants, structure firefighting gloves and boots. Don't forget your SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) with extra bottles.
Experience
Our Team
- Over 50 years of combined ARFF experience, including 27 years as structural firefighters.
Tim McIntire
Doug Beran
Kevin Norcross
Alton Jue
Chad Frimml
Bob Nelson
Michael Gray
Brian Spaulding
Why should trainees choose this facility?
The combination of comfortable classroom facilities, knowledgeable instructors, the things our community has to offer when not in class, and not to mention, the very realistic, state-of-the-art fire training mockup site using liquid fuel fires is second to none. It’s as close to realistic as you can get.
Why are you proud to be a part of ARFF?
It is refreshing to see the new personnel come from little to no experience and leave with new education and hands-on experience in the training we engage in during the 40-hour classes.
What is your favorite part about working with the ARFF program?
Getting to assist other ARFF personnel trainers. Plus, the shared knowledge between trainers and team members helps everyone.
What makes the Wyoming Regional ARFF program exceptional in your opinion?
This facility is as close to training for the real emergency as we can get, and this allows us to train in “hands-on” mode which will help us be better prepared if an emergency happens at any of our airports.
What to do in Casper?
From hiking and biking trails on Casper Mountain and fishing on the Platte River, to live music and breweries downtown, there is so much to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do we work with?
Locally, we work primarily with the Mills Fire Department, Natrona County Fire Protection District, and City of Casper Fire/EMS for cross-training and mutual aid on emergency calls. We also collaborate with TSA and FAA in operations and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF).
How often do I need to be recertified?
ARFF truck burns are required annually in accordance with 14 CFR Part 139(i)(3). All rescue and firefighting personnel must participate in at least one live-fire drill prior to initial performance of rescue and firefighter duties and every 12 consecutive calendar months thereafter.
Why do I need training?
Training is required under CFR 139 for airports with commercial flights that meet certain requirements for their particular index.
What safety measures are in place on site?
We operate with a “deadman” switch in the training tower which is operated by a trained person who is able to view the training facility from a second story window during all the live fire training. We also have safety emergency stop buttons in various places around the training facility. We will cover a 20-minute safety briefing before all live fire burns with every student. Additionally, we have a designated safety officer-instructor in the ARFF truck during truck burns. During hand-lines we have a dedicated safety officer-instructor who follows the students to ensure we are operating with a high level of safety. We take safety very seriously and will continue to update and look for ways to improve where needed.
What ARFF equipment will I use for my training?
ARFF has a 2004 Oshkosh Striker 3000 (3,000 gallons) of water, a 2008 Rosenbauer Panther with 1,500 gallons of water, and an 2021 Oshkosh Striker 3000 with HRET that holds 3,000 gallons of water.
How big is the facility?
The facility is designed to meet Index C airports; however, the FAA allows airports to train on smaller index facilities 2 out of every 3 years.
During your training in Casper, you’ll find a wide variety of activities to enjoy.