Photo By Airman 1st Class Angel Diaz | Ryan Murphy, left, 377th Civil Engineer Squadron fire station chief, and Torben Dalstra, 377 Civil Engineer Squadron fire battalion chief, give a safety brief to Team Kirtland fire protection specialists ahead of a Kirtland Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services (KFES) exercise at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, April 24, 2026. This exercise is meant to prepare Airmen on Kirtland to protect critical national security assets and personnel, including Sandia National Labs, and provide emergency medical services and mutual aid to surrounding communities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Angel Diaz) see less
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Real Flames, Real Lessons: 377th Fire Protection Team Completes Aircraft Burn Pit Exercise
Firefighters from 377th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a large-scale training exercise at the Kirtland Air Force Base Fire & Emergency Services (KFES) Aircraft Trainer, reinforcing emergency response capabilities and interagency coordination during simulated high-risk scenarios.
“The purpose of the exercise is to train Air Force personnel and local agencies in responding to simulated nuclear incidents, focusing on security and public safety,” said Torben Dalstra, 377th Civil Engineer Squadron fire station battalion chief.
The scenario simulated an aircraft crash involving hazardous materials, requiring responders to extinguish fires and secure sensitive cargo. Participants trained on coordinated fire suppression, hazard containment and asset protection under realistic conditions.
The KFES mission includes providing around the clock fire protection, structural firefighting and crash rescue services for the wing and our mission partners. Safeguarding critical national security assets and personnel, including Sandia National Laboratories, while delivering emergency medical services and mutual aid to surrounding communities.
Dalstra added that fostering a strong team culture is essential.
“The biggest thing is having a good attitude and being willing to serve others,” Dalstra said. “Be humble, be kind, be honest and be hardworking. That’s what I ask of all my firefighters.”
Airmen from other installations also participated, gaining insight into joint operations and building trust across units.
“For me personally, one of the biggest lessons was learning about temperature thresholds and the use of specialized suppression methods,” said Senior Airman Wyatt Todd, 775th Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection specialist. “It also reinforced the importance of proper hose line management and coordination during response.”
These exercises underscore the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining a highly trained, adaptable force capable of responding to complex emergencies while protecting personnel, resources and the surrounding community.
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