Real heat, real reps — Fort Wainwright firefighters train their own

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska — Fort Wainwright Fire Department crews from Stations 1, 2 and 3 conducted annual live-fire training Sept. 12, 2026, at the garrison Firefighting Trainer facility to sharpen core emergency tactics.

The high-intensity exercise pushed firefighters through interior fire attacks, second-story breaches, thermal tracking and roof ventilation tactics under extreme temperatures reaching 800 degrees Fahrenheit. The realistic scenarios tested air-management protocols, proper equipment selection and clear radio communications under pressure.

"This is one of the best trainings that we can do," said Battalion Chief Jason Davis. "A lot of these guys are younger. When they're around the station and running on smells and bells, it doesn't become real until they actually get out on a fire."

Proper communication remained a central focus during the evolutions, directly impacting firefighter safety on the ground.

"Communication is the number one downfall on the ground," Davis said. "That's how people get hurt. If somebody ventilates something when the fire attack is not ready, it can push a fire directly onto the crew."

Garrison Commander Col. John Campbell joined Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Dingman and Provost Marshal Lt. Col. Kurt Boehm on site to participate in the evolutions firsthand. Involving command leadership at the trainer provided an unfiltered view of the physical demands and split-second decisions firefighters face in high-heat environments, reinforcing garrison support for operational and community readiness.

Campbell emphasized that the core purpose behind every training remains the safety and protection of Fort Wainwright’s resident families and installation community. Coming directly off the garrison’s Sept. 11 remembrance ceremony the day prior, Campbell noted that those memories and the legacy of first responder sacrifice were still fresh, giving the exercise an added layer of purpose for everyone on site.

While this specific live-fire training is only an annual requirement, every training is an opportunity to build up tactical reps through realistic stress. Ensuring garrison fire crews maintain the proficiency needed, is crucial to protect Fort Wainwright Soldiers, resident families, and the surrounding community.