NFPA Journal - Summer 2024 - 80

Codes + Tech
One key element emphasized by NFPA
standards is the categorization of airports
based on aircraft size and operations,
which is contained in NFPA 460. This
categorization determines the minimum
level of ARFF capabilities required at
each facility, ensuring that firefighting
resources align with the specific risks
associated with different aircraft types.
Aircraft rescue and firefighting involve
unique challenges due to the presence of
hazardous materials, potential fuel spills,
and the need for specialized equipment.
NFPA standards are pivotal in the selection
and maintenance of this equipment,
ensuring that firefighting teams are well
prepared to handle the distinct challenges
posed by aircraft incidents.
Training, certification, and recertification
requirements are also integral
components of NFPA standards for ARFF,
as found in NFPA 460. Firefighters and
rescue personnel must undergo specialized
training to effectively respond to aircraft
emergencies. Regular drills and exercises
are mandated to maintain proficiency and
coordination among the response teams.
NFPA 440 addresses the importance of
communication and coordination among
agencies involved in aircraft firefighting.
Timely and efficient collaboration
between airport authorities, firefighting
teams, and other emergency responders is
essential for a successful response to mitigate
potential damage and protect lives.
In addition to outlining procedures
for active firefighting, NFPA standards
cover post-incident activities such as
aircraft recovery and investigation.
These guidelines contribute to a comprehensive
and systematic approach to
handling aircraft emergencies.
Aircraft rescue and firefighting and
NFPA standards are inseparable components
of ensuring aviation safety. The
evolving nature of aviation demands
continuous updates and improvements
to these standards, emphasizing the
importance of ongoing collaboration
between regulatory bodies, industry
stakeholders, and emergency responders
to uphold the highest standards of
safety in the dynamic field of aviation.
KEN HOLLAND is a senior specialist at NFPA.
80 | NFPA JOURNAL * SUMMER 2024
I
n rural and suburban
areas without a municipal
water supply or where
the available water supply
can be affected by cyclical
drought or freezing temperatures, NFPA
1142, Standard on Water Supplies for
Suburban and Rural Firefighting (nfpa.
org/1142) can be used to determine the
minimum amount of water needed for
structural firefighting.
As one way to minimize the amount
of water needed, designers can turn to
subsection 4.4.1 of the 2022 edition of
NFPA 1142, which permits the authority
having jurisdiction (AHJ) to reduce the
water supply when the structure is protected
by an automatic sprinkler system
that fully meets the requirements of NFPA
13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems (nfpa.org/13); NFPA 13D,
Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler
Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings
and Manufactured Homes (nfpa.org/13D);
or NFPA 13R, Standard for the Installation
of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential
Occupancies (nfpa.org/13R).
According to an NFPA report published
in 2021, fire spread was confined to the
object or room of origin in 95 percent of
reported structure fires where sprinkler
systems were present and in 71 percent
of reported fires in properties with no
automatic extinguishing system. From
2015 to 2019, sprinklers operated in 92
percent of fires considered large enough
to activate them, and they were effective
at controlling the fire in 96 percent of
NFPA 1142 and minimum
water supplies for suburban
and rural firefighting
By Barry Chase
MARCUS LINDSTROM/GETTY IMAGES
http://www.nfpa.org/13 http://www.nfpa.org/13D http://www.nfpa.org/13R
NFPA Journal - Summer 2024

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