Base firefighters & Larimore FD brave the cold for live fire training Published Dec. 12, 2012 By Senior Airman Amber Bennett 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Braving the near subzero temperatures, fire crews from the Larimore and Grand Forks Air Force Base Fire Departments came together to participate in a live fire training exercise Dec. 8, in Larimore, N.D. "It was really beneficial for our Airmen to have the opportunity to develop their fire fighting skills while working with their local counterparts," said Staff Sgt. Joshua Thompson, 319th Civil Engineering Squadron crew chief. Approximately 40 members from two fire crews used an abandoned house as the site for the joint military and civilian fire training. After the initial safety briefing and fire gear safety checks, Airmen and civilian firefighters started a fire from inside the home. Two fire trucks were used to put out the fire during the six hours of training. The exercise generated positive feedback from base firefighters. "The training was excellent in supporting the relationship between the base fire department and the Larimore Fire Department," said Thompson. "We look forward in creating more joint training opportunities in the future."