While aircraft rescue and firefighting is a critical part of our mission, our firefighters are trained and equipped to respond to a broad range of emergencies every day.

Our emergency response capabilities include:

• Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF)
• Structural fire response
• Emergency medical services (EMS)
• Water and ice rescue
• Vehicle extrication
• Light Rail Transit emergency response

The department provides these services within the geographical boundaries of MSP Airport, as well as the surrounding roadways and waterways, including commercial properties and businesses. We also work closely with our mutual aid partners, providing assistance to them as they also assist us.

In addition to emergency response, the AFD plays an essential role in preventing emergencies before they occur. Under direction of the Fire Marshal, the department is responsible for:

• Fire code inspections
• Fire alarm and sprinkler system oversight
• Building plan review
• Fire cause investigation
• Fire prevention activities
• Fueling inspections
• Fire public education

The AFD operates out of two strategically located fire stations on the MSP campus, allowing the staff to respond quickly across the airport.

Permitting

The Airport Fire Department works closely with the Metropolitan Airports Commission’s (MAC) Building Official and other MAC departments and stakeholders to ensure fire and life safety for everyone working on or traveling through the MSP Airport campus. Some of that work is accomplished through permitting and plan reviews related to the Minnesota State Fire Code.

The fire department issues two types of permits related to fire code compliance; construction permits and operational permits.

• Construction permits are required for the installation or modification of fire protection systems, flammable and combustible liquid storage, hazardous materials systems, and temporary structures.
• Operational permits are required for special event grilling on the Air Operations Area, hot work activity (like welding), fire hydrant use during construction, and special fire hazards.

Click here to complete a Fire Marshal Permit Application.

Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) 

Along with providing 24-hour onsite service, the fire department also oversees the Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) program at MSP. AEDs are located throughout both terminals for use by airport employees and the public in case of sudden cardiac arrest. The AEDs are typically located near Airport Assistance phones to enable someone to call for emergency assistance easily.

Community Events 

Firefighters and firehouses are known for their generosity and involvement within the communities they serve. At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the community may look different, but the engagement and generosity look much the same.

The MSP Airport Fire Department serves airport employees, travelers and other visitors to its campus. In 2019, more than 38 million people traveled through the airport (approximately 100,000 daily) and more than 20,000 employees work there.  

What does community involvement look like for an airport fire department?

Night to Unite – Similar to the annual community-based events taking place across the U.S. the first week of August, MSP Airport also holds an event for Night to Unite. The department participates in this event, creating opportunities for connection and conversation with both employees and travelers from all over the world.

Fill the Boot – For more than 60 years, firehouses across the U.S. – including MSP Airport – have participated in this fundraiser, benefitting the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In 2020, firefighters raised more than $2 million for research and support for families.   “Give MDA the boot.”

Fire House Tours

The fire department has been providing tours of its firehouses for many years. These tours serve as a means to connect with the community and introduce young individuals to firefighting as a potential career path. 

To schedule a tour, please call us at 612-726-5005 or send us an email at AFD@mspmac.org. We will be happy to help you arrange your visit.

The department conducts In-person training sessions for airport businesses and their employees. These training sessions are focused on best practices for fire prevention and CPR administration. Through these sessions, the department strives to equip airport businesses and their employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergencies effectively and efficiently.

To schedule Fire Prevention, Fire Extinguisher, or CPR training, please call 612-726-5005 or e-mail us at AFD@mspmac.org to set up your tour.

The department is led by a fire chief and three assistant fire chiefs and is staffed around the clock by three rotating shifts. Each shift is led by a battalion chief and includes:

• Two captains
• Six drivers
• Eight firefighters

Each shift works approximately ten 24-hour periods each month. AFD follows the California swing shift schedule; 24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 24 off, 24 on, 96 off.

Employment Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of two years fire fighter work experience (Full-time, part-time, paid on-call, volunteer, or military)
• Valid government-issued driver's license that is unrestricted except for corrective lenses
• Current MN Board of Fire Fighter Training and Education (MBFTE) Fire Fighter License. If no MBFTE license, the candidate must obtain one within 90 days of appointment
• Completion of a HAZMAT Operations level course, NFPA 472 Hazmat Operations Level Certification, or equivalent as determined by the Airport Fire Department
• Current Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board (MFSCB) Fire Fighter II, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) Fire Fighter II certification, or ProBoard Fire Fighter II Certification
• Current National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification. In lieu of the NREMT, must have a current Minnesota Emergency Medical Services Regulation Board (EMSRB) EMT Certification and successfully obtain a National Registry EMT within one year of appointment.
• Clear and articulate written and oral communication skills
• Operating telephone service

Desirable Skills & Experiences

• Associate Degree in Fire Protection or Fire Science
• Completion of Fire Protection or Fire Science Technical Certificate (40-60 Credits)
• Completion of two or more year's post-secondary education
• Completion of 40-hour Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Training program, IFSAC Airport Fire Fighter Certification, or ProBoard Airport Fire Fighter Certification
• Two or more years of ARFF work experience at a military base or Part 139 Airport.
• Work experience in a Part 139 airport

Benefits

• Bi-weekly base pay of $4147 (2026 wage scale)
• $1405 annual uniform allowance (2026 contractual amount)
• Annual salary: $107,833-$123,595 (2026)
• All protective clothing provided
• PERA Police & Fire pension plan
• Union contract (IAFF Local S‐6)
• Medical, dental and life insurance plans
• 7.5 (up to 14.5) paid vacation days per year
• 6 paid days of sick leave per year
• Deferred compensation plans
• Live Well, Stay Well program

Why join the MSP Airport Fire Department?

• Protect more than 37 million travelers, employees and visitors each year
• Serve in a unique airport environment alongside highly trained ARFF professionals
• Respond to more than 3,000 emergency calls annually
• Build experience across a broad range of emergency responses, with nearly 75% of calls involving emergency medical services

How to apply

Call: 612-713-8726
View current openings >