scope:

This guide provides information relative to aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) operations and procedures for airport and structural fire departments and describes the elements of an airport/community emergency plan that require consideration before, during, and after an emergency has occurred. Throughout this document, the airport/community emergency plan is referred to as the "AEP."

Statistics indicate that approximately 80 percent of all major commercial aircraft accidents occur in the critical rescue and firefighting access area. This is the primary response area for airport-based ARFF services. Approximately 15 percent of the accidents occur in the approach areas. In such instances the community/mutual services could be the prime responders.

Some airport fire departments have the total fire prevention and fire protection responsibility for the entire airport, including structural firefighting responsibilities in terminal buildings, aircraft hangars, airport hotels, cargo buildings, and other facilities. Procedures for these fire prevention and protection operations are not covered in this guide.

The scope of the AEP should include command, communication, and coordination functions for executing the AEP.