Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
South Metro Fire Rescue is proud to announce the successful launch of its inaugural three-day Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) initial certification course at the South Metro Fire Rescue Regional Training Center. This course, designed to provide comprehensive training in aircraft firefighting, is open to local and regional fire departments, helping ensure that emergency responders are fully equipped to handle emergencies at airports and beyond.
The program focuses on state certification for ARFF and is working toward achieving FAA Part 139 certification. Participants are trained in critical air crash rescue and firefighting skills, covering a broad curriculum on aircraft support and firefighting techniques, specialized training with an expert in pumps, foam, and air crash apparatus, and hands-on experience in putting out various aircraft fires, including engine, brake, fuselage, and compartment fires, through live-fire scenarios. The course is designed to ensure that firefighters can differentiate between the unique challenges of aircraft firefighting compared to structural or automobile fires. The practical and written tests at the end of the course confirm that participants are fully prepared for real-world emergencies.
The inaugural class includes firefighters from South Metro Fire Rescue, Bennett-Watkins, and Larkspur Fire Protection District. With over 70 general aviation airports in Colorado, South Metro Fire Rescue aims to provide this critical training for its own departments and those in nearby districts with airport responsibilities.
Normally, this class would cost $1,500 per student, totaling $19,500 for the 13 internal students, if we were to send them elsewhere for the course. By bringing in seven outside students and charging $1,000 each, we generated $7,000 in tuition fees, helping offset instructor and propane costs.
Regional collaboration is at the heart of this training. By working together, fire departments improve coordination and operational understanding, ensuring a unified response in emergencies, whether on or off the airfield.
South Metro Fire Rescue is proud to announce the successful launch of its inaugural three-day Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) initial certification course at the South Metro Fire Rescue Regional Training Center. This course, designed to provide comprehensive training in aircraft firefighting, is open to local and regional fire departments, helping ensure that emergency responders are fully equipped to handle emergencies at airports and beyond.
The program focuses on state certification for ARFF and is working toward achieving FAA Part 139 certification. Participants are trained in critical air crash rescue and firefighting skills, covering a broad curriculum on aircraft support and firefighting techniques, specialized training with an expert in pumps, foam, and air crash apparatus, and hands-on experience in putting out various aircraft fires, including engine, brake, fuselage, and compartment fires, through live-fire scenarios. The course is designed to ensure that firefighters can differentiate between the unique challenges of aircraft firefighting compared to structural or automobile fires. The practical and written tests at the end of the course confirm that participants are fully prepared for real-world emergencies.
The inaugural class includes firefighters from South Metro Fire Rescue, Bennett-Watkins, and Larkspur Fire Protection District. With over 70 general aviation airports in Colorado, South Metro Fire Rescue aims to provide this critical training for its own departments and those in nearby districts with airport responsibilities.
Normally, this class would cost $1,500 per student, totaling $19,500 for the 13 internal students, if we were to send them elsewhere for the course. By bringing in seven outside students and charging $1,000 each, we generated $7,000 in tuition fees, helping offset instructor and propane costs.
Regional collaboration is at the heart of this training. By working together, fire departments improve coordination and operational understanding, ensuring a unified response in emergencies, whether on or off the airfield.
