Fire training day at the South Bend International Airport

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Airport Authority conducted their annual FAA fire training drills at the South Bend International Airport on Monday.

Local firefighter personnel visited the airport to practice putting out real flames to simulate emergency responses and scenarios that could occur in the future.

“It helps us learn. It gives the younger guys experience. And, our goal today is to hone our skills and do the best we can for the airport and the people we protect,” said Captain Matt Willis, Department of Public Safety for the South Bend International Airport.

Fire training is mandated by the FAA to be performed at almost every airport in the United States.