Airport Fire Station
Daytona Beach International Aiport Fire Station 17
In October 2001, the Daytona Beach International Airport Fire Department was transferred to Volusia County Fire Rescue. The Airport Fire Station, designated Station 17, is located on the south side of the airport and houses Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles with a minimum of six firefighters and one Battalion Chief assigned to the station. These firefighters respond to a wide range of aircraft emergencies; from general aviation to major air carriers, including specialized military aircraft. DBIA is a major hub of flight activity within the region due to special events and close proximity to a major aeronautical university.
Aircraft Rescue Firefighting is an exciting facet for Volusia County Fire Rescue. All ARFF team members are trained to the highest standards surrounding ARFF, and also employ the newest technology in aircraft emergency response, all with keeping safety the number one priority for firefighters and passengers.
Commercial aircraft landing at Daytona Beach International Airport are at least 126 feet in length but no more than 159 feet in length. This means the personnel at Station 17 must protect the lives of up to 250 passengers in the event of an emergency on-board a commercial aircraft arriving or departing Daytona Beach International Airport. Station 17’s personnel are also required by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to be in place on the runway for a declared aircraft emergency within three minutes of notification. These firefighters must have knowledge regarding the types of aircraft arriving/departing, maximum number of passengers possibly inside, location of emergency exits on the aircraft, and location of critical systems on the aircraft which could increase the danger to passengers exiting the aircraft if it was on fire. As the thin walled aluminum exterior of a large commercial aircraft burns so hot and quickly, all lives on board can be lost in less than five minutes making immediacy of response critical.
In order to provide top notch service to the flying public at Daytona Beach International Airport, Volusia County Fire Rescue has integrated the services currently provided by personnel at Station 17 with our existing efforts throughout the county.