The Prague Airport Fire Department marks its 80th anniversary this year, celebrating decades of dedicated service in keeping passengers, staff, and airport operations safe.
History and Milestones
The earliest written record of a fire brigade at Prague-Ruzyně Airport dates from 1945. However, organized firefighting has likely been part of airport operations since its opening in 1937. Over these 80 years, the airport fire service has evolved significantly, becoming an essential part of airport safety.
Daily Operations
Today, the Prague Airport Fire Department has 104 members, including 84 firefighters working in four rotating shifts. Each shift comprises 21 firefighters, organized into specialized teams—two teams handle aircraft-related incidents, and another team manages building emergencies. In a significant incident, all teams are dispatched simultaneously.
Every year, firefighters respond to approximately 600 incidents, such as fuel spills, smoke detector alerts, and traffic accidents in surrounding motorways like D7, D6, and D0. False alarms are also frequent.
Fire Stations and Equipment
The department operates from two fire stations on airport grounds—a central station and a branch station. Vehicles must deploy within 45 seconds and reach any part of the airport within three minutes. A new fire station is planned alongside the airport’s future parallel runway to maintain rapid response capabilities.
The core fleet includes four specialized Rosenbauer Panther firefighting vehicles, two of which are state-of-the-art fourth-generation models. Older vehicles will soon be replaced, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in firefighting operations.
Specialized Training
Airport firefighters undergo extensive training, similar to state firefighters but with additional aviation-specific skills. They learn the layout of various aircraft models, emergency entry methods, evacuation procedures, and communication with control towers, aircraft crews, and ground personnel. Training includes handling specialized firefighting vehicles and equipment.
International training exercises are conducted annually, focusing on realistic scenarios involving aircraft fires and emergencies. These training sessions cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, such as fire suppression, passenger rescue, and managing hazardous conditions.
Prepared for the Future
Head of the Prague Airport Fire Department, Pavel Hošek, emphasizes that the future of airport firefighting is closely linked to airport growth and safety demands. As air travel expands, the department will continue upgrading its equipment, facilities, and training to ensure maximum safety.
Quick Facts about Prague Airport Firefighters
- Nearly 100 dedicated staff members
- Continuous operations from two strategically located fire stations
- Part of the Integrated Rescue System
- Annual international training for realistic aviation emergencies
- Rapid response within three minutes anywhere on airport grounds
- Advanced Rosenbauer Panther vehicles carry up to 12,000 liters of water and specialized firefighting foam
- Equipped with rescue stairs and platforms reaching heights up to 42 meters
The Prague Airport Fire Department remains committed to safeguarding lives and airport operations, continuously adapting to modern challenges and aviation advancements.