Aircraft Rescue Firefighting: Tactics, Entry, and Live-Fire Operations -- HOT

  • October 22, 2026
  • 1:00pm-5:00pm
  • FESTI -- 2025 Courtneypark Drive East Mississauga ON L5T 1J3

Facilitated by Victoria Lam

This session introduces participants to the fundamentals of Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF), beginning with a classroom overview of ARFF strategy, aircraft fire behaviour, and how aviation response tactics align with - and differ from - structural firefighting. We will also discuss how Pearson Fire integrates with mutual aid partners during aircraft emergencies, including command structure, resource deployment, and interagency coordination. Participants will then move to the training ground for live-fire aircraft prop scenarios, including exterior handline operations, interior entry for search and rescue, and coordinated fire attack. The session concludes with an up-close look at the 6x6 Rosenbauer Panther ARFF apparatus operating on the fireground. This is a dynamic, hands-on opportunity to experience the unique challenges of aircraft emergency response.

Victoria Lam

Victoria is a firefighter with Toronto Pearson Fire & Emergency Services, where she specializes in Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF). With a background in fire protection engineering, she brings a mix of technical know-how and real world emergency experience to the job. Her time on the department includes responding to major aviation incidents, including the Delta crash of 2025, which has helped shape her approach to high-risk, fast-moving situations. She is also an associate instructor at FESTI part time, teaching NFPA 1001/1022 and ARFF to upcoming firefighters and ARFF firefighters from Canada and across the world.