NFPA 1003 ARFF key terms

The portion of an airport used for aircraft surface movement, including runways, taxiways, and aprons. Access is controlled, and vehicles must be authorized before entering.

A defined portion of an airport where aircraft operations occur, often fenced and access-controlled. It includes runways, taxiways, aprons, and safety areas that ARFF crews must know.

Any unauthorized presence on a runway by an aircraft, vehicle, person, or animal that creates a collision hazard. ARFF drivers must get clearance before crossing an active runway.

A prearranged airport status that indicates the severity of an aircraft emergency and the response required, usually numbered from standby to full emergency. It triggers specific ARFF units.

A chart that divides the airport into labeled sectors or grids so responders can report locations precisely. ARFF crews use it to speed response and coordinate with command.

The main body of an aircraft, housing the cockpit, cabin, cargo compartments, and often fuel or systems. It is a primary area for survivor rescue and interior fire attack.

The tail assembly of an aircraft, including vertical and horizontal stabilizers and their control surfaces. It is a hazard area because of height, control surfaces, and possible APU exhaust.

A small engine, usually in the tail, that provides electrical power and compressed air when main engines are off. It creates hot exhaust, noise, and fire hazards during ARFF operations.

A fuel tank formed by sealed internal aircraft structure, such as a wing box, rather than a separate bladder. Damage can release large amounts of fuel and complicate firefighting.

A structural material made of fibers, such as carbon or glass, embedded in resin. It can delaminate when heated and may produce hazardous smoke and sharp fragments.

The wheels, struts, and supporting structure that allow an aircraft to taxi, take off, and land. Crash damage often leaves gear collapsed or leaking hydraulic fluid.

A rechargeable battery used in aircraft systems and passenger devices that can overheat, vent toxic gases, and ignite. ARFF crews must cool cells and watch for re-ignition.

A specially built fire apparatus with rapid acceleration, off-road capability, and large water, foam, and dry chemical capacities for aircraft emergencies. It can discharge agent while moving.

A large-capacity nozzle mounted on an ARFF vehicle and controlled from inside or remotely. It delivers high flow for rapid knockdown and can be aimed while the apparatus moves.

A fire hose and nozzle carried and directed by firefighters, usually smaller than a turret. It gives precise application for interior attack, hotspots, and areas a turret cannot reach.

An ARFF vehicle system that discharges powdered extinguishing agent to knock down flames quickly. It is often paired with foam to cool the area and prevent re-ignition.

A hardened nozzle that pierces aircraft skin or structure to inject water or foam into an enclosed space. It allows firefighting without opening a compartment and can create a vent hole.

Aqueous film-forming foam, an agent that spreads a thin film over fuel to suppress vapor and extinguish flammable liquid fires. It is mixed with water at a set percentage.

Alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foam, made to form a protective membrane when mixed with polar solvents or alcohol-blended fuels. It prevents foam breakdown and is used on many aviation fuels.

A foam concentrate made without fluorinated chemicals to reduce environmental persistence. Its performance and proportioning needs differ from AFFF, so crews must follow listed application rates.

The process of mixing foam concentrate with water at the correct ratio, such as 3 percent or 6 percent, before discharge. Accurate proportioning is essential for a stable foam blanket.

The ratio of finished foam volume to the volume of foam solution used. It determines whether foam is low, medium, or high expansion and affects how it spreads and seals fuel.

A layer of foam that covers a fuel surface, blocking oxygen and suppressing flammable vapors. Keeping the blanket intact is key to preventing re-ignition during overhaul.

The amount of extinguishing agent delivered per unit area per unit time, often expressed as gallons per minute per square foot. It must match the fuel and fire size.

The re-ignition of fuel vapors through or around a foam blanket after flames were knocked down. It indicates incomplete coverage, wrong foam type, or insufficient application rate.

A process of sorting casualties by urgency so limited resources are used where they can save the most lives. ARFF crews may begin triage before medical units arrive.

The removal of trapped occupants from an aircraft or vehicle using hand tools, power tools, and careful structural access. It requires fire control, patient care, and scene safety.

A device that displays temperature differences as an image, helping firefighters see through smoke, locate hotspots, and find survivors. It is useful for interior search and overhaul.

A firefighting strategy that sends crews inside or close to the fire to extinguish it directly, usually when survivors or valuable property can be saved. It needs adequate resources and an escape route.

A firefighting strategy that uses exterior streams and master streams to contain a fire without entering the aircraft or structure. It is chosen when rescue is complete or conditions are unsafe.

The planned release or movement of heat, smoke, and gases from a compartment or aircraft. Proper ventilation improves visibility and survivability but can intensify fire if poorly timed.

A standardized management structure for emergency response that assigns roles, span of control, and common terminology. It lets multiple agencies work under one coordinated command.

An incident command arrangement in which representatives from multiple responding agencies share authority and make joint decisions. It is common at airport incidents involving fire, police, EMS, and operations.

A written plan that coordinates airport and community response to emergencies such as aircraft accidents, hazardous materials releases, and severe weather. It defines roles, resources, and communication.

A formal arrangement in which neighboring fire departments or agencies provide personnel, apparatus, or equipment during an emergency. It supplements airport resources at large-scale incidents.

A wearable air supply with a facepiece and cylinder that lets firefighters breathe in smoke, toxic gases, or oxygen-deficient atmospheres. It is required for interior aircraft firefighting.

A personal alert safety system that sounds a loud alarm if a firefighter stays motionless for a set time. It helps rescuers find a downed or trapped firefighter.

The removal or neutralization of hazardous materials from people, equipment, and protective gear. ARFF crews set up control zones and decontaminate before leaving the scene.