Key West International Airport (EYW) has enhanced its Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) capabilities with the arrival of a state-of-the-art fire truck at ARFF Station 7, reinforcing safety measures at one of the nation's busiest small commercial airports.
The new vehicle, an Oshkosh 6×6 Striker model with a 3,000-gallon capacity for water and firefighting foam, was delivered in the first week of January 2026—specifically on January 6—and carries a price tag of $1.5 million. This specialized ARFF apparatus is designed for rapid response to aircraft incidents, featuring high acceleration, off-road mobility, advanced turrets for foam application, and large extinguishing agent tanks to combat aviation fuel fires effectively.ARFF Division Chief Alvin “Cab” Bentley emphasized the truck's sizing rationale: “The size of truck directly correlates to the amount of fire protection you’re supposed to have as determined by length of aircraft and number of daily departures.” Key West International Airport, classified under FAA Index requirements based on its operations and aircraft types (primarily regional jets and turboprops serving routes to major hubs like Miami, Atlanta, and Charlotte), mandates this level of protection to comply with federal standards.
The airport handles approximately three aviation emergencies per month, according to Chief Bentley. These incidents typically involve non-catastrophic issues such as landing gear malfunctions, cockpit warning lights, engine problems, or other mechanical alerts that prompt precautionary responses from ARFF teams. While full-scale crashes are rare, the station's readiness ensures swift intervention to protect passengers, crew, aircraft, and airfield infrastructure.ARFF Station 7, operated by Monroe County Fire Rescue at the airport (located at 3491 South Roosevelt Boulevard), maintains 24/7 staffing with 13 dedicated ARFF firefighters working in shifts of three to four personnel. The team provides not only aircraft rescue and firefighting but also emergency medical services (EMS), airfield safety inspections, and structural fire suppression support. The new truck joins the existing fleet, including quick-response vehicles like a 2012 Ford F350 skid unit for EMS and mini-pumper duties.
The trucks operate continuously—driven 365 days a year—and are regularly brought to full operating temperature to ensure immediate readiness. Airport Executive Director Richard Strickland's initiative to hire a full-time mechanic, Kirk Reinson, has significantly improved fleet maintenance and reliability.To maintain compliance and peak performance, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducts annual inspections and performance tests of both the firefighting personnel and equipment. These rigorous evaluations verify training standards, response times, agent discharge capabilities, and overall operational readiness—critical since any shortfall in meeting FAA requirements can have serious implications for airport certification and safety.
The acquisition aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize EYW, which is in the midst of a $130 million expansion project (phased through summer 2026) that includes a new pedestrian bridge, expanded baggage claim, larger security checkpoint, and other improvements to accommodate growing passenger traffic—approaching or exceeding one million annually in recent years.
This investment underscores the airport's commitment to passenger safety amid its unique operational challenges: a relatively short 5,076-foot runway, frequent commercial flights (50-60 daily), and the island's remote location, which demands self-sufficient emergency response resources.
For more details on airport operations or emergency services, visit the official Key West International Airport website at eyw.com or contact Monroe County Fire Rescue.