Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFFS/ARFF): Aviation Emergency Services

Overview

Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), or Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS), are highly trained and equipped emergency response units operating at airports worldwide. Their mission is to safeguard life and property in the event of aviation emergencies—mainly aircraft fires, hazardous materials incidents, and complex rescue operations. RFFS/ARFF units operate under stringent international, regional, and national regulations, and are a critical component of global aviation safety.

Regulatory Framework

International Standards
ICAO Annex 14, Volume 1, sets global minimum requirements for RFFS, including:

• Airport categorization based on the largest aircraft regularly served
• Minimum quantities of firefighting agents and vehicles
• Three-minute response time to any operational runway
• Mandatory initial and annual recurrent training, including live-fire exercises

Regional and National Regulations

• EASA (Europe): Requires detailed task/resource analysis and documentation (ADR.OPS.B.010)
• FAA (US): 14 CFR Part 139 defines ARFF standards for US airports
• UK CAA and others: Often add requirements for agent reserves, competency frameworks, and scenario-based validation

Airport Categorization and Capacity

Airports are assigned an RFFS category (1–10) based on the largest aircraft’s length and width. This determines:

• Number and type of firefighting vehicles
• Minimum water/foam agent quantities
• Required complementary agents (dry chemical, CO₂)
• Minimum on-duty trained personnel

Example: ICAO Category 10 (largest aircraft)

• 3+ major foam tenders
• 32,000+ liters water for foam
• Multiple rapid intervention vehicles
• Extra personnel for simultaneous fire suppression and rescue

Capacity is validated via task and resource analysis and regular scenario-based drills.

Response Time

Definition: Time from alarm to first application of extinguishing agent at the incident site.

• ICAO, EASA, FAA: Under 3 minutes to any operational runway point
• Influenced by fire station location, vehicle performance, airport layout, weather, and staffing
• Regularly tested and demonstrated via timed exercises

Delays or reductions in capability (vehicles, staff, weather) must be notified via NOTAM and may restrict airport operations.

RFFS/ARFF Personnel

Roles & Core Tasks:

• Vehicle operation
• Foam/agent application
• Hand line deployment
• Rescue and evacuation support
• Incident command

Staffing:

• Determined by airport category and validated via task/resource analysis
• Sufficient for all critical tasks to be performed simultaneously

Training:

• Initial & annual recurrent training (live-fire, rescue, aircraft familiarity, hazardous materials)
• Compliance with ICAO, EASA, FAA, and national standards
• Competency records maintained and regularly audited

Equipment, Vehicles, and Agents

Vehicles

• Major Foam Tenders: Large, rapid-response, high-capacity water/foam tanks, roof/bumper turrets
• Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIVs): Smaller, faster, for immediate action
• Specialist Vehicles: Rescue stairs, ladders, amphibious units for water/marsh operations

Extinguishing Agents

• Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF): For jet fuel fires, forms a vapor-suppressing film
• Dry Chemical Agents (e.g., Purple-K): Rapid knockdown for fuel and electrical fires
• CO₂: For confined space or electrical fires

Rescue Tools & PPE

• Hoses, nozzles, forcible entry tools (axes, hydraulic spreaders/cutters)
• Thermal imaging, lighting, communication gear
• PPE: Fire proximity suits (aluminized), SCBA, life jackets for water rescue

Incident Command and Emergency Planning

Integration:

• RFFS is central to the Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP), working alongside medical, police, and external fire services
• Incident command system ensures coordinated, prioritized response

Response Strategies:

• Immediate exterior foam application to suppress fire and create evacuation routes
• Simultaneous deployment of rescue teams for cabin access and occupant extraction
• Coordination with external agencies for hazardous materials, mass casualty, or off-airport incidents

Special Considerations

Challenging Environments:

• Airports near water/marsh require amphibious vehicles, rescue boats, and specialized training

Maintenance & Readiness:

• Vehicles and equipment undergo continuous inspection
• Any reduction in capability triggers NOTAMs and may restrict airport use

Integration:

• Effective collaboration with medical, law enforcement, and external fire agencies
• Regular full-scale exercises and communication protocol development

Regulatory Oversight:

• Frequent audits/inspections for compliance with staffing, training, equipment, and response time standards

Environmental and Operational Trends

• Growing shift to fluorine-free firefighting foams to reduce environmental impact (PFAS concerns)
• Enhanced containment and cleanup procedures for agent runoff
• Adoption of advanced PPE and vehicle technologies
• Scenario-based, competency-driven training frameworks

Glossary of Key Terms

Example Scenarios

Aircraft Fire on Runway:
RFFS vehicles arrive within three minutes, apply foam to suppress fire, clear evacuation routes, and support rescue teams entering the aircraft.

Aircraft Accident in Water:
Amphibious vehicles and rescue boats are deployed. Personnel use life jackets and portable foam to suppress fire and extract survivors quickly.

Hazardous Materials Incident:
RFFS uses specialized agents and follows HAZMAT protocols, coordinates with hazardous materials teams, and minimizes exposure and environmental impact.

Best Practices and Emerging Challenges

• Modernize vehicle fleet for reliability and agent delivery
• Transition to fluorine-free foams
• Emphasize scenario-based, competency-driven training
• Foster robust inter-agency coordination
• Maintain thorough compliance documentation and readiness audits

Conclusion

Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS/ARFF) are an indispensable part of airport safety infrastructure, ensuring rapid, effective emergency response to aviation incidents. Through rigorous training, advanced equipment, and compliance with international standards, they protect lives and property and uphold the highest standards of aviation safety worldwide.