Overview
Aircraft hangars present extreme fire protection challenges due to the presence of aviation fuel, the size of the structures, and the high value of aircraft. Guspora provides NFPA 409 compliant fire protection solutions through our partnership with Buckeye Fire Equipment.
Our comprehensive approach includes foam-based suppression systems for aviation fuel fires, high-capacity wheeled extinguishers for immediate response, and flame detection systems for early fire identification in large hangar spaces.
NFPA 409 Hangar Classifications
Group I
Door height >28 ft, fire area >40,000 sq ft, or tail height >28 ft
Group II
Door height <28 ft and fire area 40,000 sq ft or less
Group III
Row hangars, open bay, or single-aircraft units
Group IV
Membrane-covered rigid steel framing structures
2022 NFPA 409 Update: Group II hangars no longer require foam suppression. Ignitable liquid floor drainage assemblies are now accepted as alternative protection.
Common Fire Hazards
Aviation Fuel Spills
Jet-A and avgas are highly flammable and can spread rapidly across hangar floors
Hydraulic Fluid Leaks
Aircraft maintenance operations involve flammable hydraulic fluids
Refueling Operations
Fuel transfer creates ignition hazards from static and vapor accumulation
Large Open Spaces
Hangar size allows rapid fire spread and delays fire suppression
High-Value Assets
Aircraft represent significant investments requiring specialized protection
Recommended Buckeye Products
Foam Agents & Hardware
AFFF and AR-AFFF foam systems for aviation fuel fires
Custom-designed systems
Wheeled Extinguishers
High-capacity dry chemical and foam units for hangar deployment
Available sizes: 50 lb, 125 lb, 150 lb, 350 lb
Flame Detectors
UV/IR detection for rapid fire identification in large spaces
Buckeye Detects
High-Flow Extinguishers
Heavy-duty portable units for immediate response
Available sizes: 20 lb, 30 lb
Applicable Codes & Standards
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| NFPA 409 | Standard on Aircraft Hangars - primary governing standard |
| NFPA 11 | Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam |
| NFPA 30 | Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code |
| FAA AC 150/5210-6D | Aircraft Fire Extinguishing Agents |
Key Protection Considerations
- Three protection approaches available: Prescriptive, Risk-based, and Performance-based
- Foam suppression systems remain critical for Group I hangars
- Floor drainage systems required to control fuel spills
- Custom-designed foam hardware for specific hangar configurations
- UV/IR flame detection for rapid fire identification in large spaces
Protect Your Aviation Facility
Contact Guspora for an NFPA 409 compliant fire protection assessment for your aircraft hangar.