About Fire Trucks & Fire Equipment
Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) trucks are similar in design to municipal fire trucks, but ARFF trucks typically support higher water capacities and more firefighting agents than a municipal truck. The greater capacity is necessary because ARFF trucks usually must rely on what they can carry to put out fires, fight oil spills, and extinguish electrical fires. Firefighting in the airfield might also involve equipment for structural fire suppression, evacuation, and hazard mitigation.

Oshkosh Striker 4x4 Fire Truck
Reacting To Any Emergency
Fire trucks and equipment that serve airfields can often carry a mix of water, foam, and dry chemical agents. This equipment is kept onsite and can be used for everything from smaller incidents to larger fires. The application of firefighting foams, dry chemicals, and cleaning agents to extinguish burning aviation fuel in and around an aircraft also requires the fastest response possible, so ARFF trucks typically have fast acceleration capabilities and high maximum speeds. To handle incidents that occur off-road, ARFF trucks are ordinarily built with special off-road tyres, as well as a suspension system designed for rugged terrain.
Meeting Requirements
Airports have to meet the minimum firefighter capabilities set forth by standards organisations such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and so on. The airfield’s layout and other considerations, such as the location of the fuel farm and aircraft refueling operations, mean the requirements will vary by airport. It’s critical those purchasing the ARFF vehicle continually monitor the standards and find vehicles that can appropriately respond to the challenges firefighters might face within the airport and with the various aircraft types that regularly use the airfield.
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