Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting
Lakeland Fire Department’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Division
The Lakeland Fire Department’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Division provides critical fire protection and emergency response services for Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL), a Class 1 Index B airport.
LFD’s ARFF team consists of 45 firefighters certified in aircraft firefighting, each specially trained to handle the unique challenges of aviation fire and crash incidents. Given the high potential for mass casualties in an aviation emergency, rapid response is paramount. ARFF personnel and equipment must arrive swiftly to secure the aircraft against all hazards—especially fire—enhancing the survivability of passengers and crew.
Airport firefighters undergo advanced training in fire suppression techniques, including the application of firefighting foams, dry chemicals, and clean agents to combat burning aviation fuel. These specialized methods help maintain safe evacuation routes for passengers. Additionally, if a fire ignites within the aircraft cabin, ARFF responders work quickly to control and extinguish the flames.
LFD’s ARFF services contribute to LAL’s operational safety and regulatory compliance, supporting existing aviation operations and future commercial opportunities.
LAL currently offers commercial airline service through Avelo Airlines, in addition to serving as a hub for charter and private aviation and acting as a diversion airport for Tampa and Orlando. The airport is also home to:
- Amazon Air
- Draken International
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hurricane Hunters
The Lakeland Fire Department’s ARFF Division plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of these operations, reinforcing LAL’s position as a premier aviation facility.
