Don’t fear the flames

Normally, the sight of a flaming plane is cause for alarm, but at Moffett Field last week, there was no need to worry. The annual training held by NASA Ames’ fire department is open to fire departments all over Santa Clara County and teaches crucial skills to firefighters, like how to respond to flaming-liquid spills, engine fires and interior cabin fires, according to Sharon Lozano of Ames Research Center.

The training plane is equipped with propane-fueled flames, which were visible from Highway 101 in Mountain View. The multi-day training helps ensure that emergency personnel called to airport emergencies are knowledgeable about how to safely respond.

And the training is always good for some dramatic photos by our photographer, Michelle Le.