The Reno Fire Department, in partnership with the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority, will unveil a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle on Wednesday, May 27, during a ceremony hosted by the City of Reno Fire Department.
The new Rosenbauer Panther ARFF Class 4 vehicle will replace a 2004 Titan HPR vehicle that has reached the recommended end of its service life, according to nationally recognized standards. Officials said the new vehicle features next-generation technology designed to support firefighters in high-risk environments while improving safety for aircraft passengers and emergency personnel during incidents on and around aircraft.
"This new apparatus will enhance the Reno Fire Department’s emergency response capabilities at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport,” said Ward 6 Councilmember Brandi Anderson. “Public safety is our top priority, and as the airport continues to expand, it’s absolutely critical that our firefighters have the tools they need to respond effectively and efficiently.”
“While we’re prepared to respond to emergencies today, maintaining that readiness requires ongoing investment and strong partnerships like our collaboration with the City of Reno Fire Department,” said Cris Jensen, Interim President/CEO of the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority. “This vehicle strengthens our ability to respond quickly and effectively on airport property, helping protect travelers, employees, and first responders, and potentially saving lives. We’re grateful to our congressional delegation for securing federal funding that covered nearly the entire cost and made this critical investment possible.”
The ARFF was made possible through a $911,140 Federal Aviation Administration grant secured by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen, and Congressman Mark Amodei. The grant was awarded to the Reno Tahoe Airport Authority before the transfer of fire services to the City of Reno Fire Department. The authority also contributed nearly $214,000 toward the vehicle.
“When a fire starts, a quick, effective response can save countless lives and prevent tragedy,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “To keep travelers safe, firefighters need the newest and most efficient technology. I am proud to have secured funding for this vital fire response and rescue vehicle for the Reno-Tahoe International Airport and City of Reno Fire, and I will continue to work with my state and local partners to ensure they have the tools they need to keep families throughout the Silver State safe.”
“Reno-Tahoe International Airport is the beating heart of Northern Nevada’s travel and tourism economy, which is why I’ve made it a priority to work across party lines to deliver the resources it needs,” said Senator Rosen. “I am so proud to announce yet another new investment in the safety of the airport, its passengers, and its infrastructure with the arrival of a brand-new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle. This vehicle will help maintain Reno-Tahoe Airport’s incredible safety record and improve passenger experience.”
Quick facts on the new ARFF include:
• Weighs approximately 57,000 pounds
• Carries 1,600 gallons of water, 210 gallons of PFAS-free foam concentrate, and 500 pounds of dry chemical extinguishing agent
• Features a 700-horsepower engine and all-wheel drive
• Accelerates from zero to 50 miles per hour in 22 seconds while carrying three firefighters and full fire response materials and equipment
Through an Interlocal Agreement, the City of Reno assumed fire protection responsibilities from the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, including Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting and the airport fire station. Firefighters assigned to the station respond to aircraft incidents and other emergencies on airport property, including medical calls, vehicle accidents, and other urgent situations. These firefighters support safety for passengers across 140 daily flights at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, with all costs fully reimbursed by the authority.
