Brownsville International Airport Unveils New Emergency Support Vehicle

The Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is further enhancing its emergency response efforts with the addition of a new, state-of-the-art Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle. The emergency support truck is now housed at the airport’s Brownsville Fire Department Station and is designed for usage by the airport’s emergency response team, while elevating their capabilities.

According to OshKosh Airport Products, the maker of the vehicle, the ARFF vehicle is used by fire departments at airports to provide an extra layer of safety, emergency response, and aircraft firefighting needs. These vehicles and their operators are on stand-by during an incoming or outgoing airplane, which presents a possible issue requiring an emergency response. Vehicle services include “fire containment, fire suppression, medical response, passenger and crew extraction, and mutual aid to local departments near the airport.”

“The addition of the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle at the Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport highlights our dedication to the safety and well-being of everyone who travels through our airport and our City,” said Angel Ramos, Director, Brownsville South Padre Island International Airport. “As Brownsville continues to expand as a key destination and gateway, this investment ensures our commitment to modernizing our infrastructure and ensuring top-tier safety standards.”

Airport officials say the ARFF vehicle is a versatile asset capable of fast response time despite its size and weight. It can move easily through rough terrain at an airport’s terminal and runway lanes. And, it is equipped with fitted and powerful, high-capacity pumps that can spray water and/or foam from turrets that can reach long distance. Other specifications include the capacity to house 1,600 gallons of water and 215-gallons of foam to battle fires.

The ARFF vehicle has an estimated value of $850,000, and was paid for by the City through the use of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant. There was no cost to Brownsville taxpayers.

The addition of the ARFF truck reflects the airport’s proactive approach to infrastructure upgrades and its dedication to maintaining robust emergency response measures.