Airport fire category

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Airport fire categories, also known as Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) categories, classify airports based on the size of aircraft they can handle and the level of firefighting and rescue capabilities they possess. These categories are determined by factors such as the length of the runways, the types of aircraft served, and the availability of firefighting equipment and personnel. The categories range from 1 to 10, with Category I being the lowest level of protection and Category 10 being the highest. Here's a summary of each category:




Airport fire categories are defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) based on the dimensions of the aircraft that operate at the airport. These categories determine the level of fire protection services required. Here is a summary of each category:


Category 1: For aircraft up to 9 meters in length and 2 meters in width. Minimum response: one fire-fighting vehicle carrying at least 500 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 2: For aircraft between 9 and 12 meters in length and up to 2 meters in width. Minimum response: one fire-fighting vehicle with at least 1,200 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 3: For aircraft between 12 and 18 meters in length and up to 3 meters in width. Minimum response: one fire-fighting vehicle with at least 2,400 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 4: For aircraft between 18 and 24 meters in length and up to 4 meters in width. Minimum response: two fire-fighting vehicles with a total of at least 3,800 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 5: For aircraft between 24 and 28 meters in length and up to 4 meters in width. Minimum response: two fire-fighting vehicles with a total of at least 7,600 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 6: For aircraft between 28 and 39 meters in length and up to 5 meters in width. Minimum response: three fire-fighting vehicles with a total of at least 11,400 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 7: For aircraft between 39 and 49 meters in length and up to 5 meters in width. Minimum response: three fire-fighting vehicles with a total of at least 15,200 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 8: For aircraft between 49 and 61 meters in length and up to 7 meters in width. Minimum response: three fire-fighting vehicles with a total of at least 19,000 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 9: For aircraft between 61 and 76 meters in length and up to 7 meters in width. Minimum response: three fire-fighting vehicles with a total of at least 22,800 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Category 10: For aircraft over 76 meters in length and up to 8 meters in width. Minimum response: three fire-fighting vehicles with a total of at least 27,600 liters of water and appropriate foam.


Each category also specifies the type and quantity of fire-fighting agents (such as foam, dry chemical powder, and CO2) and the response time required to reach the aircraft in the event of a fire.



Pilot action if airport's fire category decreases below the standard 


If an airport's fire category decreases below the minimum required for a particular aircraft operation, pilots would typically be notified through official channels such as NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) or by the air traffic control. In such cases, pilots may need to reassess their flight plans and consider alternative airports that meet the necessary firefighting capability for their aircraft. They would coordinate with their airline's operations center or dispatch to determine the best course of action, which could include diverting to a different airport with adequate firefighting services or delaying the flight until the situation is resolved. Ultimately, the priority is to ensure the safety of the flight and its passengers.

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