Chennault International Airport has added a state-of-the-art aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle into service, the airport announced on Facebook Tuesday.
The new fire truck, “C-1,” is an Oshkosh Striker 6×6.
“We are focused on re-investing in our workforce to ensure access to the tools and training to excel in emergency response across the airport,” said Chennault Executive Director Kevin Melton.
Chennault Fire Chief Joshua Arnold said trucks used at airports are different from municipal rescue and firefighting trucks.
“Aircraft emergencies require ARFF apparatus to apply a large amount of agent quickly — to give passengers and crew a safe path from the aircraft and to fight the fires caused by the large amounts of fuel,” he said. “Having an apparatus with the capabilities this truck offers enables us to provide high levels of fire protection that allows large aircraft to utilize the airport. It ensures that we have the tools and equipment needed to provide life-saving services for pilots and passengers — as well as all Chennault tenant partners and visitors.”
The new Chennault ARFF apparatus has:
• An onboard water capacity of 3,000 gallons.
• 420 gallons of AFFF foam used for fighting fuel fires.
• 550 pounds of PKP — a dry chemical used to fight three-dimensional fuel fires.
• Turrets capable of discharging 1,325 gallons of water per minute
• A Hurst EDraulic combination tool – Jaws of Life – and other rescue tools.
Melton said his focus is to prepare the airport for more initiatives, more opportunity and more growth. “This state-of-the-art fire truck is but one part of ensuring that vision is achieved,” he said.
