The Ottawa Airport Emergency Response Service (ERS) was founded in 1995, when it took over fire protection responsibilities from the Department of National Defence. Its services are provided to the highest standards as prescribed by Canadian Aviation Regulation as an operational and regulatory requirement.

The primary objective of ERS is to save lives in the event of an aircraft accident.

ERS also responds to medical calls, spills, aircraft fire and motor vehicle accidents, that occur on the airfield. ERS receives back-up support and assistance from City of Ottawa Fire Services.

Fire coverage is provided by 22 trained aviation firefighters 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year. The team’s efforts are supported by three state-of-the-art Rosenbauer Panther aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles that are specially equipped with the following:

  • Water capacity of nearly 11,500 litre;
  • Foam capacity of 1,500 litres;
  • Dry chemical capacity of 500 lbs;
  • Hydrochem fire fighting nozzles;
  • 665 horsepower engines;
  • 0 to 80 km/hr in 25 seconds;
  • Top speed of 115 km/hr;
  • Night scan capability for 360o lighting capability;
  • Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) camera technology;
  • Driver Enhanced Vision Systems with GPS tracking;
  • Compressed Air Foam System technology; and
  • High Reach Extendable Turrett and Stinger.

The fleet was upgraded in 2010 with an investment of more than $2.5 million to increase firefighting power, and to further enhance the safety of our passengers, employees, aircraft and facilities.

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