The principal objective of a ARFF service is to save lives in the event of an aircraft accident or incident occurring at, or in the immediate vicinity of, an airport. The ARFF service is provided to create and maintain survivable conditions, to provide egress routes for occupants and to initiate the rescue of those occupants unable to make their escape without direct aid.

The most important factors bearing on effective rescue in a survivable aircraft accident is the training received, the effectiveness of the equipment and the speed with which personnel and equipment, designated for ARFF purposes, can be deployed.