"What is Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF) at airports?"

"Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF), also known as Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), is a specialized airport service responsible for emergency response to aircraft incidents. RFF involves fire suppression, rescue of passengers and crew, hazardous material management, and first responder medical care. RFF is mandated by international (ICAO Annex 14) and national aviation authorities to ensure the safety of airport operations."

"How are RFF requirements determined at an airport?"

"RFF requirements are determined by the ICAO RFF Category, which is based on the size and type of the largest aircraft regularly using the airport. Each category specifies minimum numbers of vehicles, extinguishing agents (like foam and dry chemicals), and trained personnel. Airports must maintain these standards at all times and adjust categories as traffic changes, always ensuring readiness for emergencies."

"What equipment do RFF units use?"

"RFF units use specialized fire vehicles with high-capacity foam and water tanks, rapid acceleration, and advanced firefighting tools. Equipment includes Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), dry chemicals, water cannons, piercing nozzles, hydraulic rescue tools (Jaws of Life), and personal protective equipment like fire proximity suits and SCBAs. Modern technology enables rapid, effective response to complex aviation emergencies."

"How quickly must RFF units respond to emergencies?"

"ICAO standards require that the first RFF vehicle applies extinguishing agent at the site of an aircraft emergency within three minutes of the alarm, under optimal conditions. This rapid response is crucial to maximizing survivability and minimizing damage, and is achieved by strategic placement of fire stations, regular drills, and efficient route planning."

"Can RFF category be temporarily reduced?"

"Yes, ICAO allows temporary reduction of RFF category if large aircraft operations drop significantly (less than 700 movements in three months). Any reduction must be immediately communicated via NOTAM and coordinated with air traffic services. However, the airport must still be capable of handling emergencies for the largest aircraft it regularly serves."

Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF)

Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF) ensures swift emergency response, fire suppression, and rescue at airports, following global aviation safety standards.

Airport Safety Firefighting Emergency Response ARFF

Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF) in Airport Safety

Overview

Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF), also called Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), is the cornerstone of airport emergency preparedness. RFF teams are responsible for immediate action during aircraft incidents—crash landings, on-board fires, hazardous material leaks, and medical emergencies—on or near airport grounds. Their mission: maximize survivability for passengers and crew, safeguard airport staff, and protect critical infrastructure.

RFF services are strategically located at airports for rapid access to all operational areas (runways, taxiways, terminals, fuel farms). Their responsibilities include:

Fire suppression (using specialized foams, dry chemicals, and water)
Technical rescue and passenger extrication
Hazardous materials containment
First responder medical care
Support for aircraft evacuation
Scene management and coordination with external agencies

RFF operations are strictly regulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and enforced by national authorities. Compliance is essential for airport certification and operational licensing.

International Regulatory Framework

ICAO Standards

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets global rules for airport rescue and fire fighting through:

Annex 14, Volume 1 – Aerodrome Design and Operations: Mandates RFF services for all certified airports, including response times, agent quantities, equipment, and training.
ICAO Doc 9137-AN/898, Airport Services Manual, Part 1 – Rescue and Fire Fighting: Provides technical guidance and best practices on station design, equipment, and operations.

National Regulations

Countries transpose ICAO requirements into national law. Examples:

United States: FAA enforces ARFF rules via 14 CFR Part 139.
United Kingdom: CAA details fire standards in CAP 168.
Canada: Transport Canada sets ARFF rules under CARs.

National authorities may add stricter rules for local conditions. Compliance is monitored through regular audits, inspections, and performance drills.

RFF Purpose, Objectives, and Use Cases

Mission

RFF’s main goal: maximize survivability in aircraft emergencies by enabling immediate, effective intervention.

Core Functions

Rapid Response: Reach any incident on the movement area within three minutes (ICAO mandate).
Fire Suppression: Apply foam, dry chemicals, or water to control/exinguish fires.
Rescue Operations: Extricate trapped occupants using hydraulic tools and provide medical care.
Hazard Mitigation: Manage fuel spills, hazardous cargo, and environmental threats.
Evacuation Support: Collaborate with flight crews for orderly evacuation.
Medical Aid: Provide first aid and triage.
Operational Continuity: Secure scene, support investigations, and restore airport operations.

Common Scenarios

Aircraft crash or collision
Engine or APU fires
Fuel spill incidents
Smoke in cabin reports
Medical emergencies onboard
Hazardous material leaks
False alarms with full-scale response

RFF Categories and Airport Classification

RFF service levels are tailored to the risk profile of each airport, determined by the ICAO RFF Category—based on the length and fuselage width of the largest aircraft in regular use.

ICAO RFF Categories

Category	Aircraft Length (m)	Max Fuselage Width (m)
1	< 9	2
2	9–12	2
3	12–18	3
4	18–24	4
5	24–28	4
6	28–39	5
7	39–49	5
8	49–61	7
9	61–76	7
10	≥76	8

Each category dictates minimum agent quantities, vehicle numbers, and personnel requirements. Airports must review aircraft traffic regularly and adjust their category as needed.

Minimum Agent and Vehicle Requirements

The ICAO specifies minimum requirements for each RFF category, ensuring sufficient firefighting capability for the largest aircraft type.

Category	Water for Foam (l)	Complementary Agents (kg)	Vehicles	Discharge Rate (l/min)
1	230	45	1	230
2	670	90	1	550
3	1,200	135	1	900
4	2,400	135	1	1,800
5	5,400	180	1	3,000
6	7,900	225	2	4,000
7	12,100	225	2	5,300
8	18,200	450	3	7,200
9	24,300	450	3	9,000
10	32,300	450	3	11,200

Water for foam: Principal agent for suppressing flammable liquid fires.
Complementary agents: Dry chemicals, CO₂, or similar for electrical or hidden fires.
Vehicles: Enable simultaneous intervention and redundancy.
Discharge rate: Volume of agent applied per minute, critical for rapid knockdown.

Dynamic Category Adjustment

If large aircraft operations decrease (less than 700 movements in three months), ICAO allows a temporary RFF category reduction (one step below current level). All changes must be communicated via NOTAM and coordinated with ATC so airlines can make informed decisions.

Even at reduced categories, airports must retain the capability to respond to emergencies involving their largest regular aircraft.

RFF Operations and Emergency Procedures

Response Time

ICAO requires the first RFF vehicle to apply agent at the incident site within three minutes (under optimal conditions). This standard drives station placement and operational readiness.

Incident Workflow

Alarm Receipt: Incident is reported via ATC, automated alarm, or direct observation.
Mobilization: All RFF personnel don PPE and deploy via pre-planned routes.
Assessment: Crew leader evaluates hazards—fire type, aircraft orientation, wind, fuels, etc.
Fire Suppression: Apply foam/agents to create safe access and suppress fire.
Rescue: Extricate occupants and provide medical care.
Hazard Mitigation: Contain spills, hazardous goods, and secondary threats.
Post-Incident: Secure scene for investigation and restore normal operations.

Coordination with ATC, airport operations, medical teams, and law enforcement is vital.

RFF Equipment and Technology

Firefighting Vehicles

Modern RFF vehicles (e.g., Oshkosh Striker, Rosenbauer Panther) feature:

High acceleration and off-road capability
Large foam/water/agent tanks
High-flow turrets (roof, bumper, or extendable booms)
Piercing nozzles for fuselage entry
Integrated SCBA storage

Suppression Agents

AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam): Rapidly suppresses fuel fires and prevents re-ignition.
Dry chemicals: For rapid knockdown, especially on three-dimensional fires.
CO₂/Halotron: For electrical or sensitive equipment fires.

Rescue and PPE

Fire proximity suits (reflective, heat-resistant)
SCBAs (self-contained breathing apparatus)
Thermal imaging cameras
Hydraulic rescue tools (“Jaws of Life”)
Hazmat suits and detectors

RFF Staffing and Training

Personnel must be highly trained in:

Aircraft systems, airport layouts, and fuel types
Equipment operation and maintenance
Fire suppression tactics and foam application
Rescue, extrication, and first aid/triage
Hazardous materials containment
Incident command and communications
PPE use and respiratory protection

Training is ongoing, with mandatory initial, recurrent, and scenario-based drills. Competence is audited through practical and written assessments.

Typical Incident Scenarios

Aircraft Crash with Fire: Rapid foam application, fuselage access, extrication, and medical aid.
Engine Fire during Taxi/Takeoff: Targeted foam application and evacuation support.
Fuel Spill: Foam blankets to suppress vapors and environmental protection.
Medical Emergency: On-scene first aid until ambulance arrival.
Hazardous Materials Leak: Identification, containment, and decontamination.

Compliance, Audit, and Best Practices

Airports must:

Conduct regular self-assessments and external audits
Maintain detailed training and equipment records
Report changes in aircraft mix or equipment status via NOTAM
Participate in international working groups and adopt new technologies (e.g., fluorine-free foams, digital command systems)

Manufacturers provide up-to-date rescue charts for each aircraft type, supporting planning and response.

ICAO RFF Category Matrix (Summary Table)

Category	Aircraft Length (m)	Fuselage Width (m)	Water for Foam (l)	Complementary Agents (kg)	Vehicles	Discharge Rate (l/min)
1	< 9	2	230	45	1	230
2	9–12	2	670	90	1	550
3	12–18	3	1,200	135	1	900
4	18–24	4	2,400	135	1	1,800
5	24–28	4	5,400	180	1	3,000
6	28–39	5	7,900	225	2	4,000
7	39–49	5	12,100	225	2	5,300
8	49–61	7	18,200	450	3	7,200
9	61–76	7	24,300	450	3	9,000
10	≥76	8	32,300	450	3	11,200

Summary

Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF) is a highly regulated, technologically advanced service essential for aviation safety. It ensures rapid, effective response to emergencies and compliance with the highest international standards, protecting lives and enabling safe, efficient airport operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF) at airports?: Rescue and Fire Fighting (RFF), also known as Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), is a specialized airport service responsible for emergency response to aircraft incidents. RFF involves fire suppression, rescue of passengers and crew, hazardous material management, and first responder medical care. RFF is mandated by international (ICAO Annex 14) and national aviation authorities to ensure the safety of airport operations.
How are RFF requirements determined at an airport?: RFF requirements are determined by the ICAO RFF Category, which is based on the size and type of the largest aircraft regularly using the airport. Each category specifies minimum numbers of vehicles, extinguishing agents (like foam and dry chemicals), and trained personnel. Airports must maintain these standards at all times and adjust categories as traffic changes, always ensuring readiness for emergencies.
What equipment do RFF units use?: RFF units use specialized fire vehicles with high-capacity foam and water tanks, rapid acceleration, and advanced firefighting tools. Equipment includes Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), dry chemicals, water cannons, piercing nozzles, hydraulic rescue tools (Jaws of Life), and personal protective equipment like fire proximity suits and SCBAs. Modern technology enables rapid, effective response to complex aviation emergencies.
How quickly must RFF units respond to emergencies?: ICAO standards require that the first RFF vehicle applies extinguishing agent at the site of an aircraft emergency within three minutes of the alarm, under optimal conditions. This rapid response is crucial to maximizing survivability and minimizing damage, and is achieved by strategic placement of fire stations, regular drills, and efficient route planning.
Can RFF category be temporarily reduced?: Yes, ICAO allows temporary reduction of RFF category if large aircraft operations drop significantly (less than 700 movements in three months). Any reduction must be immediately communicated via NOTAM and coordinated with air traffic services. However, the airport must still be capable of handling emergencies for the largest aircraft it regularly serves.

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