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SFFD outlines airport response upgrades: new ARFF units, MCU units, 40‑hour training and underground hydrants
Summary
Assistant Deputy Chief Rudy Castellanos told the Fire Commission that SFO is FAA Index E and described new equipment (Oshkosh ARFF vehicles, MCU mass-casualty units), a 40-hour FAA-based curriculum, and underground hydrants planned within 6–8 months to speed refills.
Assistant Deputy Chief Rudy Castellanos presented a comprehensive update on airport operations and preparedness at the June 8 Fire Commission meeting, highlighting equipment acquisitions, staffing, training and infrastructure upgrades at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Castellanos explained that SFO is categorized by the FAA as an Index E airport — the largest index — requiring at least three large aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles. "Our requirement is at least 3 of those that can produce at least 6,000 gallons of water combined," he said, and noted the department currently operates four Oshkosh Stryker-type ARFF vehicles and additional engines and aerial platforms.
He described recent acquisitions intended to improve mass‑casualty response: two new MCU (mass-casualty unit) apparatus that can care for hundreds of patients on scene, and a second 100-foot aerial platform due within six months. Castellanos said the department also recently received two large MCU units equipped with ALS medical gear.
Training and certification were emphasized. Airport firefighters now complete a 40‑hour curriculum aligned to FAA Part 139 requirements and must complete an annual live-burn recertification (a controlled live-burn typically conducted at a facility such as Dallas). "You have to go down to Dallas and go through the 8 hour live burn," Castellanos said, describing the hands-on training.
Castellanos also detailed planned infrastructure to speed firefighting operations: an underground hydrant network on taxiways Charlie, Foxtrot and Lima to allow immediate refilling of ARFF tanks. He said that construction would begin in roughly 6–8 months. The mobile medic bike program, used during high-volume events, and a training aircraft for realistic exercises were cited as additional operational improvements.
Commissioners asked about staffing, cross-training for boat operators, annual retraining hours and the department’s coordination with San Mateo County and other local agencies for large-scale responses. Castellanos said some airport staffing increases are funded by the airport itself and that the department will continue collaborative drills and FAA-certification training for senior command personnel.
Commissioners praised the improvements and thanked airport staff for responsiveness since the Asiana incident, noting the equipment and command upgrades aimed at improving initial on-scene capability.
