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Port of Seattle Fire Department

The Port of Seattle Fire Department provides emergency aid to Sea-Tac International Airport and the Port properties surrounding it. These well-trained, well-equipped professionals deliver the highest quality emergency service to Airport customers and employees.

Their primary mission is to provide Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) to the Airport. The department also issues permits, performs inspections and consults with construction and building professionals to ensure that needed fire safety precautions are in place. They respond to medical aid calls and for the last five years have one of the most successful save rates for heart attacks in the country. And of course they fight fires.

The Port Fire Department has grown along with the Airport and the surrounding Port-owned properties. Beginning in 1955 with fewer than 15 firefighters, the Department today has a staff of 75.

Department Divisions/Sections: Administrative | Fire Prevention | Operations/Fire Suppression | Training, Firefighter Mechanical, Support Services |

Administrative Section

This section manages the department's day-to-day activities including policy development, budget, regulatory compliance, safety and health, clerical support and departmental oversight. It is staffed by the Fire Chief, two assistant fire chiefs, and four support staff members.

Fire Prevention Division

This division is responsible for ensuring that fire codes and regulations are met within Airport properties. It is staffed by fire prevention lieutenants, inspectors, investigators, plan reviewers and an alarm specialist. They work closely with contractors, architects and maintenance personnel.

Operations Division (Fire Suppression)

The members of this division respond some 2500 - 3000 alarms each year at Sea-Tac Airport. These calls include aircraft emergencies, medical responses, structure fires and hazardous materials incidents. The division works in three shifts, each staffed by a captain who serves as the shift commander, two lieutenants and 15 firefighters. Division equipment includes 3000-gallon ARFF trucks, fire engines, medical aid/rescue vehicles, a hazardous materials response unit, a medical support/disaster unit, a foam re-supply vehicle, and the command vehicle.

The Training Division, Firefighter Mechanic and Support Services

These specialized staff members ensure that the department is properly equipped and trained. Using hands-on drills, live-fire burns and both classroom and computer training, they are key to keeping the firefighters' skills sharp.

Airfield Emergency Exercise


In 2008, the Port of Seattle Fire Department played a key part in testing airfield disaster preparedness and response. This exercise, required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is conducted every three years. Over 100 volunteers participated as ‘victims’ next to a mock-up aircraft, placed in the middle of the third runway along with wrecked cars to represent a large scale disaster. The Port of Seattle Fire Department responded to the drill with a full response, including a Mass Casualty Incident semi-truck full of equipment and supplies. Participating mutual aid police and fire agencies arrived with dozens of other vehicles. There were approximately 175 fire fighters involved. Other key exercise participants included airport and airline representatives, the FAA, the Red Cross, King County Emergency Management Division, and the King County Medical Examiner.