What is a key limitation for ARFF vehicle usage?

A key limitation for ARFF vehicle usage relates to the presence of low overhead obstructions, which may restrict the routes these vehicles can take. Airport environments often have areas with structures such as bridges, buildings, and signage that can interfere with the height of the vehicles. If an ARFF vehicle exceeds certain height limits while navigating these areas, it could sustain damage or become stuck, which could delay a response during critical emergency situations.

Understanding this constraint is vital for effective planning and deployment of ARFF vehicles during emergencies, ensuring rapid access to incidents while avoiding potential obstacles that might hinder their operation. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the limitations imposed on ARFF vehicles by their design and operational requirements. For instance, while ARFF vehicles are indeed capable of traversing many types of terrain, they are not universally suited for every environment. Additionally, they do have weight restrictions based on the aircraft they are designed to protect and the structural integrity of the surfaces they operate on. Furthermore, although ARFF vehicles can navigate runways, their primary focus is on emergency response rather than open runway crossing unless absolutely necessary.