Fire Department
Reno-Tahoe Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF)
The Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA) is committed to ensuring the safety of the airlines, airport businesses and visitors. The RNO Fire Department manages the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF), paramedic, structural, training and inspections at RNO.
In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1 • For non-emergencies, call Airport Communications 775-328-6999
The safety of passengers and aircrew is our number one priority.
RNO has a specially trained and equipped fire department funded by aviation fees that exists to ensure the safety of the traveling public. Federal funding and aviation fees for aircraft rescue and firefighting requires that the first priority of fire personnel and equipment at RNO is to respond to an aircraft incident on the airport.
Airport fire fighters ensure the safety of passengers that arrive and depart on 120 commercial jets each day. They respond to emergencies that occur on airport property including basic life support, car accidents, pedestrian falls, and other situations that demand immediate medical attention. The RNO Fire Department is equipped to handle any emergency quickly and professionally.
Specialized Program
The safety of passengers and aircrew is the department’s number one priority. The Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) program is designed to prepare each member of the department for an aircraft-related accident. The specialized fire trucks used for ARFF are unique and can rapidly deploy large quantities of water and firefighting agents such as foam and dry chemicals to combat an aircraft fire. Since 2020, RTAA has invested more than $2M in infrastructure investments for the RNO Fire Department including the acquisition of three new and refurbished ARFF apparatus.
Pictured is one of the new ARFF apparatus, named Bumble Bee.
Emergency Support
The RTAA has mutual aid agreements with Reno Fire, Sparks Fire and Truckee Meadows Fire to support each other in emergencies. This means the airport fire department can be requested for assistance in special circumstances. This has occurred in situations like wildfires or where firefighting foam has been required.
Pictured is the RNO Fire Department assisting in the 2021 Caldor Fire.
Training Collaboration
RNO fire fighters receive on-going training and collaborate with other local departments and agencies. All RNO Fire Department members are required to keep current with aircraft in service at RNO and attend Emergency Management and Homeland Security courses. Disaster planning and building and aircraft evacuation are regular components of training.
Pictured is a 2022 training with the RNO Fire Department and Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.
Join the RNO Fire Department
Apply with the RNO Fire Department today. The RTAA offers competitive pay, a great culture and benefits package, and the best seat in the house to see aircraft in and out of RNO. Openings coming soon, spring 2023.
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