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Firefighters on Ice

Jan. 18, 2023 |DOD News

Being a firefighter anywhere requires a cool head. In Alaska, it sometimes calls for one that is ice-cold.   

Fire protection specialists assigned to the Air Force's  673rd Civil Engineer Squadron headed to frigid Six Mile Lake at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson recently for ice rescue training. They tested their skills in a series of scenarios designed to mimic real-world rescues.

Two firefighters in yellow dry suits standing on snow toss a line to a third one chest-deep in icy waters.
Two firefighters in yellow dry suits standing on snow toss a line to a third one chest-deep in icy waters.
Tossing a Line
Air Force fire protection specialists assigned to the 673rd Civil Engineer Squadron conduct ice rescue training at Six Mile Lake at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 8, 2023.
Download: Full Size (1.66 MB)
Photo By: Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan
VIRIN: 230108-F-UN330-1243
Two service members are shown close up while floating in icy water.
Two service members are shown close up while floating in icy water.
Icy Rescue
Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph Jenkins pulls a fellow airman out of the water during ice rescue training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 8, 2023.
Download: Full Size (1.37 MB)
Photo By: Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Sullivan
VIRIN: 230108-F-UN330-1935Y
Firefighters in a yellow raft approach a firefighter lying in a lake as others stand on snowy shore.
Firefighters in a yellow raft approach a firefighter lying in a lake as others stand on snowy shore.
Cold Water Warriors
Air Force fire protection specialists assigned to the 673rd Civil Engineer Squadron use an inflatable raft to rescue a simulated victim in Six Mile Lake during training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Jan. 8, 2023.
Download: Full Size (2 MB)
Photo By: Alejandro Pena, Air Force
VIRIN: 230108-F-HY271-0153

The training followed a classroom course. Once the firefighters qualified in the skills needed to conduct ice rescue and recovery efforts in extreme cold-weather environments, they received certifications as ice rescue technicians.

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Firefighters in yellow dry suits carry an inflatable raft on a snow-covered road by a lake.
A group of airmen in yellow jackets pull a rubber raft toward an icy lake.
One firefighter lies in an icy puddle as two others lie on snow nearby.
Four firefighters standing on snow pull a fifth out of an icy body of water using a line.
Two firefighters on a sled-type contraption gets pulled out of icy water by another firefighter.
An Air Force firefighter floats on his back in icy water.
Firefighters in a yellow raft paddle toward another firefighter lying in a lake surrounded by snow.
Three firefighters in yellow dry suits sit in a yellow raft in water.
Snowy foliage in the foreground partially obscures view of firefighters in yellow dry suits training in background.
Firefighters in yellow dry suits conduct rescue training in icy water surrounded by snow.
A firefighter in yellow dry suit handles a orange litter while others sit in icy lake.
One airman pulls another through icy water.
Seven firefighters in yellow dry suits stand for a photo in snow.
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Air Force Training Know Your Military Alaska

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