Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Training (ARFF)

group of firefighter putting water on an airplane fire

Providing education and practical experience in Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Training (ARFF) through a partnership between the Port of Moses Lake, Big Bend Community College and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Our mission is to provide the aviation community education and practical experience in Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting. By using the latest techniques each student will gain knowledge and experience in this complex emergency environment. They will take home the knowledge and confidence needed to perform effectively during an aircraft incident.

ARFF History

For over 40 years, airport fire departments from throughout the Northwest and Canada have contracted with BBCC to provide FAA-required classroom instruction and live fire training for ARFF Certification or recertification.
In May of 1992, work was completed on a new $750,000 aircraft rescue fire training facility, constructed on Port property with the help of an FAA grant.
Participating Fire Departments that have been trained are: Redmond, OR; Kelowna, BC; Lewiston, ID. From Washington State: Pasco, Yakima, Spokane, Pangborn Airport, Douglas County, Bellingham, Pendleton, Paine, Snohomish County, the US Coast Guard, Rural Metro and King County.
BBCC ARFF training includes the use of Diesel fuel and Dry Chem for the most realistic experience in ARFF Training in the Northwest area.
Trainers are highly experienced fire fighters from across the state who have been trained and certified in many areas of firefighting.

ARFF is a program of the Center for Business and Industry Services.

Upcoming FAA ARFF Training

See when ARFF Training is being offered and register online! *ARFF Certification and Re-Certification trainings are typically held in Spring and Fall Quarters. Learn More And View Upcoming Trainings

ARFF Recertification Live Fire Training can be scheduled and customized for your team. Please inquire about scheduling your team today by contacting CBISinfo@bigbend.edu or calling (509) 793-2425

New IFSAC ARFF Testing - Coming Spring 2026

We are pleased to announce that we will be rolling out the highly requested IFSAC ARFF written and practical testing this year.

The WA State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) was initially accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) in 1995, and by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board) in 2024.

As of Spring 2026, IFSAC testing for Airport Firefighter (Written and Practical) provided by the SFMO will now be available at Big Bend Community College. Learn More and View Upcoming Test Dates. IFSAC written will be proctored and provided on-site at BBCC. The IFSAC practical will take place at our state-of-the-art ARFF Training facility, led by the TCO and IFSAC-certified Lead Evaluators.

Candidates must score 70% on the written examination. Practical skills are graded on a pass/fail basis. For information regarding the certification process, reciprocity, or equivalency, please contact FirefighterTesting@wsp.wa.gov or call (360) 596-3945.

The benefits of IFSAC certification include:

-IFSAC accreditation ensures that the ARFF Training Program meets National and International standards.
-IFSAC is recognized by the FAA
-IFSAC provides a portable certification: IFSAC certification is often recognized by different jurisdictions, allowing ARFF personnel to transfer the certification more easily.