Pinon Juniper Fire caused by training device Published May 9, 2018 Kirtland Public Affairs KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The Pinon Juniper Fire that burned here March 4 and 5 was started by the use of a ground burst simulator during a training exercise on the Combat Arms Training and Maintenance East Range. An investigation conducted by the 377th Air Base Wing Safety Office determined that the guidance for deployment of these devices and procedures should be revised for operations during elevated fire hazard conditions. An interdisciplinary team developed and implemented new guidelines for training with smoke canisters, diversionary devices, and ground burst simulators. Training procedures have been amended to ensure that risk associated with fire hazard conditions requires substitutions with non-hazardous equipment or omission of certain training activities. When ground burst simulators or similar devices are used, Airmen will be required to have a full complement of fire prevention and containment equipment on hand. For more information contact the 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs office at 505-846-5991 or by email at 377ABW.PA@us.af.mil.