Airports: Firefighters On Standby Or Full-Time Staff?

Airports with scheduled passenger flights are required to have firefighters and firefighting equipment on-site at all times when aircraft are operating. These firefighters are specially trained in aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF), which involves responding to emergencies, mitigating dangers, evacuating passengers and crew, and rescuing those who cannot extricate themselves. ARFF vehicles are designed to be faster and more manoeuvrable than municipal fire trucks, and they carry large amounts of water and other extinguishing agents due to limited access to fire hydrants.

Airport firefighters have advanced training in applying firefighting foams and using equipment like breathing apparatus

The speed of response is critical in aircraft emergencies, and firefighters must be able to secure the aircraft and control/extinguish any fires to increase the survivability of passengers and crew. Airport firefighters are trained in using firefighting foams, dry chemicals, and clean agents to extinguish burning aviation fuel and enable a path for passenger evacuation. They must also be prepared for fires in the cabin, which may spread from external fires.

To protect themselves from toxic fumes, smoke, and super-heated gases, airport firefighters wear protective ensembles called fire proximity suits and use self-contained breathing apparatus. The breathing apparatus provides a source of clean air and enables them to work in smoky or gaseous environments, such as when entering a burning aircraft cabin.

The design of ARFF vehicles and equipment is specialized for the airport environment and the unique challenges it presents. For example, ARFF vehicles are larger than municipal fire trucks and have off-road capabilities to navigate rough terrain. They also have a higher acceleration rate and top speed to reach aircraft emergencies quickly.

They respond to airplane crashes, wheel or brake fires, medical emergencies, and fuel spills

Airport firefighters, or Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) crews, are responsible for responding to various emergencies, including airplane crashes, wheel or brake fires, medical emergencies, and fuel spills. Due to the rarity of aircraft fires, they often have additional duties such as security or luggage handling, which they must abandon in the event of a fire alarm.

ARFF crews are trained to handle the unique challenges of aviation emergencies, including the application of firefighting foams, dry chemicals, and clean agents to extinguish burning aviation fuel. They must also be equipped with protective gear, such as fire proximity suits and self-contained breathing apparatus, to protect themselves from toxic fumes, chemicals, and intense heat.

The speed of response is critical in aviation emergencies to increase the chances of survivability for passengers and crew. ARFF vehicles are designed for rapid response, with faster acceleration and higher top speeds compared to municipal fire trucks. They also carry specialised equipment, such as high reach extendable turrets (HRET), to pierce aircraft fuselages and accurately apply water or suppressing agents.

In addition to their primary role in aircraft emergencies, ARFF crews also provide medical assistance, perform inspections, and handle general maintenance tasks within the airport. They are constantly training and preparing for the unique challenges of aviation incidents while also contributing to the overall safety and smooth operation of the airport.

Airport firefighters also have other duties like security guards or luggage loaders, which they must abandon in case of emergencies

Airport firefighters are responsible for the emergency response, mitigation, evacuation, and rescue of passengers and crew in the event of an aviation accident or incident. Due to the rarity of aircraft fires, they often take on other duties, such as security guards or luggage loaders, which they must abandon at a moment's notice in case of emergencies.

Airport firefighters have advanced training in firefighting techniques specific to aviation settings, such as the application of firefighting foams, dry chemicals, and clean agents to extinguish burning aviation fuel. They must also be adept at navigating the unique challenges of an airport environment, such as the vast distances that must be covered within the airport premises. As such, their vehicles are designed for speed, water-carrying capacity, off-road performance, and agent discharge rates.

In addition to their critical role in aircraft emergencies, airport firefighters also provide medical assistance to passengers and staff within the airport. They conduct inspections of various airport facilities and equipment, including runways, emergency exit signs, and first aid kits, to ensure compliance with safety regulations. During quieter periods, they may engage in general maintenance work, such as grass cutting or garbage disposal, to remain productive while not actively fighting fires.

The varied responsibilities of airport firefighters reflect the dynamic nature of their work environment. While aircraft emergencies may be infrequent, their presence and readiness are of paramount importance. As such, airport firefighters must be prepared to drop their other duties and spring into action at a moment's notice to protect the safety of passengers, crew, and staff.

ARFF vehicles are designed for speed, water-carrying capacity, off-road performance, and agent discharge rates

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles are designed to meet the demands of a range of scenarios. Airports with scheduled passenger flights are required to have firefighters and firefighting apparatus on location ready for duty whenever aircraft are operating. Due to the potential for mass casualties in an aviation emergency, the speed of emergency response is critical. ARFF vehicles are designed for speed, water-carrying capacity, off-road performance, and agent discharge rates.

ARFF vehicles are designed to accelerate from 0 to 50 miles per hour in 25 seconds or less and reach a top speed of at least 70 miles per hour. This rapid response is crucial for reaching a scene before a fire reaches an aircraft's fuel tanks, which contain highly flammable jet fuel. The relatively short distances within an enclosed airport environment aid in achieving this quick response time.

The water-carrying capacity of ARFF vehicles is another important design consideration. Unlike municipal fire trucks, ARFF vehicles typically have limited access to water supply from fire hydrants. Therefore, they must carry sufficient water and other agents, such as firefighting foam, dry chemicals, and clean agents, to contain the fire and enable evacuation until additional resources arrive.

ARFF vehicles are also designed for off-road performance, with large, wide tires and long-travel suspension, enabling them to navigate through rough terrain, ditches, and wreckage. Their slanted body and front bumper allow for manoeuvring through challenging conditions.

Additionally, ARFF vehicles are designed for efficient agent discharge rates. They are equipped with high-capacity pumps and turrets that can spray water and foam over long distances. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies ARFF trucks into five categories based on the types and amounts of fire suppression agents they carry.

Military bases may have their own ARFF services with specialised duties and training

Military bases may have their own Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) services with specialised duties and training. The Department of the Air Force provides specialised skills training for service members who want to advance their military careers. Service members who meet the right criteria may attend specialised schools and leadership training. Ongoing training opportunities include tactical, technical, physical, and leadership development. These programs help service members develop skills for an Air or Space Force career and beyond.

The Department of the Air Force also provides additional specialised technical training after service members complete basic training that focuses on technical skills. This training is conducted in specialties such as aircraft maintenance, missile maintenance, civil engineering, medical services, computer systems, security forces, air traffic control, weather, personnel, cyberspace support, intelligence, firefighting, and space and missile operations.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates ARFF operations at all U.S. airports that serve scheduled passenger air carriers. These are the only civilian fire protection services that are specifically regulated by any governmental entity. Military bases may have their own ARFF services, which are inspected at least annually by the FAA for compliance with FAR, Part 139. Military ARFF operations must meet the mission requirements for their individual branch of the service.

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