AF Form 218: Facility Fire Prevention Record (Download PDF) – Maintaining fire safety across Air Force installations is critical for protecting personnel, property, and mission readiness. AF Form 218, officially titled Facility Fire Prevention/Protection Record, serves as a key document in the Air Force’s Fire Emergency Services (FES) program. Facility managers, fire prevention inspectors, and supervisors use this form to document inspections, track fire protection equipment, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
This article explains the purpose of AF Form 218, how to use it, its role in broader fire prevention efforts, and where to download the latest version. Whether you’re a facility manager at a CONUS or OCONUS base, understanding this form helps uphold rigorous fire safety protocols.
What Is AF Form 218?
AF Form 218 is a standardized checklist and recording tool for facility fire prevention and protection activities. Fire inspectors and facility personnel rely on it during routine inspections to verify that buildings meet fire safety requirements.
Key uses include:
- Documenting results of facility fire inspections.
- Recording portable fire extinguisher locations, inspections, and accountability.
- Tracking fire alarm tests, suppression systems, and other protection features.
- Noting any hazards or deficiencies (often paired with AF Form 1487, Fire Prevention Visit Report, for corrective actions).
The form acts as both a checklist during inspections and a permanent record. The reverse side often documents clean inspections with no hazards noted. Inspectors brief the building manager on findings and obtain signatures for accountability.
Note: While some references still use the older “AF IMT Form 218” designation, the current version is AF Form 218. It aligns with Department of the Air Force policies and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
Purpose in the Air Force Fire Emergency Services Program
AF Form 218 supports AFI 32-2001, Fire Emergency Services (FES) Program (and its updates under DAFI). The FES program aims to prevent fires, protect life and property, and ensure rapid response capabilities across installations.
Facility managers and supervisors must:
- Accompany fire inspectors during visits.
- Maintain records of monthly self-inspections (especially for portable fire extinguishers per DAFMAN 91-203).
- Document extinguisher locations and conditions on AF Form 218 (electronic systems like ACES-FD may handle other inspection data, but extinguishers often remain on this form).
This form helps identify and correct fire hazards early, reducing risks in workplaces, hangars, offices, and residential facilities. It integrates with related tools such as:
- AF Form 1487 (for documenting deficiencies and corrective actions).
- AF Form 1028 (Facility Pre-Fire Plan).
- AF Form 1027 (Water Flow Test Record).
Proper use contributes to compliance with OSHA-aligned standards, NFPA codes (e.g., NFPA 10 for portable extinguishers, NFPA 72 for alarms), and DAFMAN 91-203 (Air Force Occupational Safety, Fire, and Health Standards).
How to Complete and Use AF Form 218?
While the official PDF includes specific block-by-block guidance on the form or reverse side, general procedures from Air Force instructions include:
- Preparation — Enter facility details (building number, occupancy type, date of inspection).
- Inspection Checklist — Review fire protection features: extinguishers, alarms, exits, storage of flammables, housekeeping, and suppression systems.
- Documentation — Record pass/fail status, test results, and any issues. For clean inspections, use the reverse side.
- Briefing and Signatures — Discuss findings with the facility manager. Both inspector and manager sign.
- Corrective Actions — Issue AF Form 1487 for deficiencies. Track resolutions with work requests (e.g., AF Form 332) and follow up within required timelines (often 30 days for return of corrected forms).
Facility managers perform and document monthly extinguisher checks, keeping records in a fire prevention folder alongside unit fire safety instructions and previous reports.
Best Practices:
- Keep records accessible for audits and continuity.
- Enter data promptly into any automated systems (e.g., ACES-FD where required).
- Train personnel on fire evacuation, reporting procedures, and hazard recognition.
Always refer to the instructions printed on the current form and your local FES flight or installation supplement for exact block details and retention requirements (governed by Air Force Records Disposition Schedule).
Who Uses AF Form 218?
- Fire Prevention Sections of FES flights — Primary users for formal inspections.
- Facility Managers/Supervisors — For self-inspections and accountability.
- Unit Safety Officers — Supporting occupational safety programs.
- Civil Engineering and Base Personnel — Involved in hazard correction.
It applies to Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, and U.S. Space Force facilities, as well as contractors where applicable.
Download the Official AF Form 218
Access the current, fillable PDF directly from the official Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download AF Form 218 here: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a4/form/af218/af218.pdf
For the latest publications, visit www.e-publishing.af.mil. Check with your installation FES office for any local guidance or supplements.
Why Proper Use of AF Form 218 Matters
Consistent use of this form strengthens the overall fire prevention posture on Air Force installations. It helps:
- Prevent loss of life and mission-critical assets.
- Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness.
- Support data-driven improvements in fire safety programs.
Neglecting documentation can lead to uncorrected hazards, increased risk, and potential findings during higher-level assessments.
Stay Compliant and Prepared
Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Facility managers should maintain an up-to-date fire prevention folder, conduct regular self-checks, and coordinate closely with the base Fire Emergency Services team.
For deeper guidance:
- Review DAFI 32-2001 (Fire and Emergency Services Program).
- Consult DAFMAN 91-203 for safety and fire protection standards.
- Contact your local FES Flight for training or clarification.
By diligently using AF Form 218, Air Force personnel contribute to a safer operating environment across all bases.
This guide is for informational purposes and draws from official Air Force publications. Always verify with the most current versions on e-Publishing.af.mil and your chain of command, as policies may update.
Keywords: AF Form 218, Facility Fire Prevention/Protection Record, Air Force fire inspection form, AFI 32-2001, FES program, portable fire extinguisher record, military facility safety checklist.