The Amarillo City Council has approved awarding a contract for the hardware needed to construct a new live fire training simulator near the fire training facility at Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport.
The project includes a metal aircraft mock-up and an integrated propane-based system designed to allow firefighters to simulate and control fires in multiple interior compartments. Funding for the purchase is made possible through an earmark secured by Congressman Ronnie Jackson and incorporated into the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program.
City officials said the new simulator will replace an older unit that has been out of FAA compliance for several years. Because of that loss of certification, local firefighters have been required since 2018 to travel to Lubbock for specialized aircraft firefighting training. The new facility is expected to restore that capability locally and may also allow additional training sessions to be conducted in Amarillo.
A separate contract will be issued to handle the civil earthwork required for site preparation and construction.
During discussion of the project, officials also addressed environmental and safety measures. The design includes a new multi-section pit system with retaining ponds intended to capture runoff water and any materials used during training. These containment features are intended to ensure proper collection and disposal of any residual chemicals.
Officials noted that the simulator will be built on a new greenfield site rather than the location of the previous facility due to the presence of PFAS contamination at the original site. Relocating the project eliminates the need for remediation and supports cleaner long-term operations. Collected materials from the system will be handled and disposed of in accordance with applicable environmental regulations.
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