Houston Airports Deploys Innovative Fleet of Fire Rescue Vehicles

Houston Airports and the Houston Fire Department will deploy a new fleet of environmentally friendly and health-friendly vehicles this summer.

Four new aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles will be deployed to HFD 99 and 92 near IAH. The vehicles were purchased with $4.6 million from the Airport Improvement Fund and will replace a fleet purchased in 2006.

One truck is already operating the HFD 99 station. Others should be operational by August, according to Houston airports.

“The safety of Bush Airport passengers and crew is our top priority,” Steve Runge, Houston Airports Director of Operations, said in a statement. “These new ARFF trucks represent a significant investment in the latest firefighting technology, ensuring the Houston Fire Department has the resources it needs to respond quickly and effectively to any aviation emergency while utilizing environmentally friendly foam.”

The vehicles feature several innovative features, including:

• Fluorine-free synthetic foam that extinguishes fires with minimal environmental impact
• High capacity water pumps that deliver up to 1,200 gallons of water per minute
• Specialized rescue equipment to save passengers and crew in the event of an accident
• Rosenbauer Recirculating Air Purification System Reduces Firefighter Exposure to Cancer-Causing Toxins

They can carry 3,000 gallons of water, 400 gallons of foam, 450 pounds of Purple K dry chemical and 460 pounds of Halotron to extinguish fires and rescue passengers and crew, according to Houston Airports.

“From the health of firefighters to the protection of people and property at Bush Airport, we appreciate this investment from Houston Airports,” added Ronald Krusleski, Houston Fire Department Senior Captain and ARFF Coordinator.

Houston Airports also plans to build a 21,000-square-foot facility to replace the existing HFD 92 at IAH, which will include six aircraft bays, fire inspector and administrative offices, and direct access to the airfield. according to a statementIt will be funded with $30 million from the FAA's fiscal year 2024 airport infrastructure grants. Hobby Airport also received $15 million to demolish and rebuild existing ARFF buildings.

Last year, Houston airports also received $12.5 million for projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Those projects included replacing existing generators and conducting an energy audit.