City of Fort Lauderdale 
Fire-Rescue Station No. 53
2200 Executive Airport Way
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

In 1972, after recognizing the potential aviation hazard, the Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue Department along with the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, established the first special operations team, “The Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting” (ARFF) team. The ARFF team is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

All ARFF members are trained in the operation of the department’s specialized ARFF apparatus. The ARFF truck carries 1500 gallons of water, foam and Haltron (eco-friendly clean agent), and thermal imaging equipment. These vehicles have pump and roll capabilities that help our team members get close to the crash in a safe manner.

Team members are well versed on airport signs, markings, lighting, control tower language, runway operations aircraft familiarization, cargo hazardous’ (including hazardous material/dangers goods incident). Members are also trained in the donning of special proximity suits that protect them from the radiant heat of the burning of jet fuel. Once these suits are donned, the team can advance on foot to the apparatus to perform a search and rescue, followed by administering medical treatment.

Pilots flying into Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport have a sense of security knowing that the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue ARFF team is here and ready to respond to their emergency radio call for help.