Key West International Airport Fire Rescue

ARFF 207

Monroe County Fire Rescue Station 7 is located at Key West International Airport (EYW) and is the fire station that protects Key West International Airport by providing fire suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Airfield Safety Inspections, and Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). Fire Station 7 is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by a total of 13 ARFF firefighters, with three to four firefighters per shift. A variety of crash rescue equipment is stationed and maintained at Key West International Airport with a primary mission of protecting the traveling public and aviation-related property preservation. 

Additionally, Monroe County Rescue Fire Station 7 stands ready to provide mutual aid to other agencies as needed and able. Fire Station 7 crews at Key West International Airport responded to more than 300 incidents in 2018. Key West International Airport has 50 to 60 commercial flights per day and approximately a million passengers will pass through the airport in 2019.

Vehicles

  • ARFF 7: 2017 Oshkosh Striker 1500 - Crash Truck
  • ARFF 107: 2007 Oshkosh Striker 1500 - Crash Truck with Snozzle (High Reach Extendable Turret)
  • ARFF 207: 2012 Ford F350 with Skid unit - Quick response vehicle / EMS response / Safety Inspections / mini-pumper
  • ARFF 307: 1996 Oshkosh T1500 - Reserve Crash Truck
  • Battalion 7: 2015 Ford Expedition - Command vehicle
  • Utility 7 / MCI-7: 2011 Chevy Silverado 2500HD - Heavy duty tow vehicle with an MCI trailer of medical supplies, generators, lights for major incidents throughout Monroe County
  • Rescue Boat: 16 foot Carolina skiff - Salt pond and near-shore rescues

Advanced Life Support at Key West International Airport

Monroe County Fire Rescue Fire Station 7 added new Advanced Life Support equipment to its rapid response emergency vehicle at Key West International Airport. The new lifesaving equipment is on the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle 207 that responds to all emergencies at the airport.

“During medical emergencies at the airport, assigned firefighters can respond quickly and make a difference while off-site transport ambulances are dispatched,” said Alvin “Cab” Bentley, Key West Airport Monroe County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief.

Advanced Life Support equipment added to Monroe County Fire Rescue at airport

Improvements include a new $25,000 cardiac monitor purchased through a Firehouse Subs grant. Other equipment includes portable suction, advanced airway and oxygen bags, a medical box filled with lifesaving medications, and a portable computer for completing medical reports.

About Key West International Airport

Key West International Airport serves travelers from all over the world. The airport is located on the southeast end of Key West, just minutes from many Key West accommodations, attractions, and downtown Key West. Key West International Airport is a very unique airport due to its history, compact size, and geographic location. 

Originally called Meacham Field, the airport had its first scheduled flight in 1928. During the WWII era, the airport was used by the United States Army. In 1953, the City of Key West granted Monroe County clear title to Meacham Field. Shortly thereafter, Meacham Field became Key West International Airport. Today, EYW has the ability to safely and efficiently handle a large number of aircraft operations, connecting Key West to the global air transportation system.