2026 ARFF Summit Agenda

Aircraft incidents quickly move beyond fire suppression. In this interactive tabletop exercise, participants will work through a simulated Airbus A320 emergency involving engine failure, runway excursion, evacuation, and a fuel-fed fire. As the scenario unfolds, participants must address passenger accountability, mutual aid integration, hazardous cargo recognition, incident remediation and recovery, media pressure, and investigative coordination. The exercise highlights how preparation, command structure, and leadership decisions influence outcomes across different ARFF index airports

Scenario training

Continued: Aircraft incidents quickly move beyond fire suppression. In this interactive tabletop exercise, participants will work through a simulated Airbus A320 emergency involving engine failure, runway excursion, evacuation, and a fuel-fed fire. As the scenario unfolds, participants must address passenger accountability, mutual aid integration, hazardous cargo recognition, incident remediation and recovery, media pressure, and investigative coordination. The exercise highlights how preparation, command structure, and leadership decisions influence outcomes across different ARFF index airports

Outbriefs: Aircraft incidents quickly move beyond fire suppression. In this interactive tabletop exercise, participants will work through a simulated Airbus A320 emergency involving engine failure, runway excursion, evacuation, and a fuel-fed fire. As the scenario unfolds, participants must address passenger accountability, mutual aid integration, hazardous cargo recognition, incident remediation and recovery, media pressure, and investigative coordination. The exercise highlights how preparation, command structure, and leadership decisions influence outcomes across different ARFF index airports

Speakers: Kevin Garber

Panelists: Larry Lippel

Aircraft incidents don’t respect airport boundaries—and readiness can’t either. This session explores how leadership, daily discipline, and shared expectations shape outcomes in low-frequency, high-risk aviation events. Designed for ARFF professionals and mutual aid departments, the lecture connects operational excellence, off-airport response realities, and 365-day readiness using real-world case studies and leadership lessons. Attendees will gain practical insights into preventing drift, strengthening partnerships, and preparing responders—on and off the airport—for the day when margins are thin and decisions matter most.

Speaker: Gina Gonzales

Speakers: Chief John Donnelly, Sr. 

Washington DC Fire Chief John A. Donnelly, Sr. will share critical insights into the January 29 Washington, DC air traffic incident, offering a rare first-hand perspective on managing an exceptionally complex emergency response. With more than three decades of leadership experience—including oversight of Special Operations and the 2,100-member DC Fire and EMS Department—Chief Donnelly brings deep operational expertise that is highly valuable for today’s fire service professionals.

Panel discussion with sponsors

Speaker: Chief Fred Pervine

Welcome remarks

Speaker: Gina Gonzales

Reception with Sponsors