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Sudbury Airport Fire Service
Date Added: July 30, 2011 04:56:08 PM
Artcile Visits: 306
Author: Doug Davidson
Category: Sports Outdoors Recreation: Recreation Hobby: Aviation

Fire services at the Sudbury

Level 5 Crash Rescue Fire services at the Sudbury airport are provided daily from 07:00(local) to 23:00(local). Services are available after hours with prior notification/permission. Level 5 Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting (ARFF) services are designed to handle aircraft with an overall length of at least 24 metres but less than 28 metres and a maximum fuselage width of 4 metres. ARFF vehicles in this category must have a minimum of 2400 litres of water, and a minimum of 180 kilograms of complimentary agents and a total discharge capacity of 3000 litres per minute.

At the Sudbury Airport, these services are provided using a Waltek C-5500P (callsign Red 2), response vehicle. This vehicle carries 5500 litres of water, 660 litres of AFFF foam and 225 kilograms of Dry chemical compound (PurpleK). RED 2 is serviced through a continuous maintenance program and on a yearly basis, certification of the operational systems are conducted. The Dry Chemical system is normally evaluated in the fall, while the AFFF Foam system certification is completed in the spring. Discharge rates for the vehicle's contents range from 1.5 minutes at maximum discharge rate using the overhead nozzle, to 12 minutes using the manually deployed hand line.

Meeting the mandated responses of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), one firefighter is on dedicated duty manning the Waltek C-5500P, providing an immediate response. As many as two other firefighters are available on-site. Airport Fire response is augmented as necessary by the Greater Sudbury Fire Service through their Volunteer stations in Garson, Falconbridge and Skead. On a yearly basis, all 10 Firefighters at the airport receive recertification training and conduct live fire drills to meet the CARs standards. Each of the three crews that make up the Sudbury Airport Fire Service is manned by three Firefighters, one of which is on duty as the designated Firefighter. The remaining two firefighters, in addition to being on stand-by for fire response, are employed as Airport Operations Specialists. Airport Operations Specialists are responsible for ensuring the continued, trouble free operation of the airport and it's immediate environs.

The primary duties of this position are snow removal operations during winter months. Augmented by as many as two seasonal employees, Operations Specialists keep all runways, taxiways and ramp areas clear of snow and any snow accumulations. Ground side movement areas (public access roads and parking areas) are maintained as well. During summer months, Airport Operations Specialists are involved in grounds maintenance and manage the wildlife control program. It's not unusual during summer months to find the occasional Moose, Bear, Coyote or even Beaver camping out on the runways. In addition to numerous birds (primarily Seagulls), all wildlife is removed from all aircraft movement areas as humanely as possible.
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