Airport Rescue & Fire Fighting Section

The fire fighting services provided at Paro Airport are at ICAO Category 6 level.The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services(ARFFS) is another section under Department of Civil Aviation(DCA),Paro.
The Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Services(ARFFS) started in small scale by the Indian Air Force Element(IAFE) administration for their military aircrafts operation before the introduction of Druk Air operation by the Royal Government some time in 1983. ARFFS duties and responsibilities remained under the control of the (IAFE) until November 29th 2000, even after the Bhutan Government started its nationa flag carrier, Druk Air in 1983. The Department of Civil Aviation(DCA) took over the duties and responsibilities of ARFFS from the IAEF on 30th November 2000. DCA started to develop the ARFFS as per the ICAO standards and requirements immediately after taking over from the IAFE.

Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Vehicles(ARFFV): In support of the major Crash Rescue Tenders, and to provide protection for the airport facilities, we have two vehicles. The first is radio designated as “Chemical Fire Truck” which is a 1984 Hino water carrier vehicle built by Hino and donated by the Government of Japan. It carries 3000 liters (792 gallons) of water. Our second support fire truck is radio designated as “Pumper Truck”. It is a 1986 built on a Nissan chassis which was also donated by Japan. It carries 1000 liters (265 gallons) of water and 100 liters (26 gallons) of 3% AFFF foam.Two other vehicles,a 1994 Ambulance and a 1986 Nissan Pickup vehicle (used by aircraft in the airport) was also donated by Japanese Government.All standards RFF rescue tools and equipment that are required by ICAO Category 6 is carried on RFF vehicles.

Fire Training Aircraft Model: An aircraft model was constructed in 2006 to simulate actual senario. This aircraft model will enhance the fire fighting skill, tactics and techniques of the fire crews, so that in the event of any aircraft incident or accident, crews can handle the situation more professionally and effectively.This model is used once a month with real life fire drill and exercises.