Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport cut the ribbon Tuesday on a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Station, saying that “The new facility and trucks, together with first responders, are the cornerstone of BHM’s emergency readiness.”
Birmingham Airport Authority Board Chair Darlene Wilson said, “Our commitment to safety at BHM is second to none. This new building is a testament to the way we take care of the community, visitors, tenants and those who are out there doing the hard work every day.”
The new $12.4 million ARFF station encompasses 17,549 square feet with four bays for trucks and equipment, sleeping quarters for seven, training and exercise rooms plus kitchen and laundry areas and a watch room providing full view of the airfield.
Birmingham architect Clay Dorsey designed the new station. Atlanta-based Construction Works Inc. was general contractor. Both firms are minority owned and DBE certified.
The airport also added two new trucks — a 6×6 and a 4×4 Rosenbauer Panther, both equipped with water and foam capabilities.
Most of the funding for the building and equipment came from federal grants.
