By Mario H. Trevino

Have you ever heard of firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS)? If not, you’re not alone.

In fact, a majority of fire chiefs, fire marshals, and firefighters in the United States either have minimal knowledge or are completely unaware of this technological advancement, even though FARS are in the 2015 Edition of the International Fire Code as Appendix “L.”

Don’t be surprised. Many of the technologies we take for granted today, like thermal imaging cameras, were unheard of in the fire service not so long ago. New technologies arise every day, and not many things have the staying power to go on to affect our day-to-day operations. Even the best new ideas take time to gain acceptance in our complicated industry.

1 Firefighters using the “Bottle Brigade” method to cache air bottles in a high-rise building. Each member normally carries two bottles, one in each hand. This is a slow, difficult process for all involved. Because of firefighter fatigue, each member can only do one or two trips up stairways to higher floors before needing time in rehab. (Photos courtesy of Rescue Air Systems.)

FARS are now at that point. More and more jurisdictions are requiring FARS in midrise and high-rise buildings, large “big box” structures, and other new construction projects. Thousands of firefighters are becoming familiar with both the concept and the benefits of these systems. More than 400 FARS have been installed and are in service across the country, and there are 35 more currently in various stages of installation. FARS have been adopted in numerous states, including Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. As awareness grows, more and more jurisdictions are investigating and embracing the technology.

Even if you are part of a jurisdiction that has not adopted FARS yet, it is still advisable to get informed about what it is, how the system operates, and the benefits offered. Why? First, from a firefighter safety perspective, it may be possible that you could find yourself in a mutual aid, urban search and rescue (USAR), or other situation and be engaged in fire suppression in a building that has built-in air replenishment. Second, if and when your community is considering adopting FARS as part of its local fire code, your opinion should be an important part of this conversation. After all, it is your safety at stake.

First, What Are FARS?

Simply stated, FARS are standpipes delivering breathing air, providing firefighters with a quick, safe, and effective means to refill their air bottles at filling stations located throughout a building during emergency operations. FARS deliver air replenishment when and where firefighters need it the most.

To effectively execute their mission of extinguishing fires, firefighters normally need two important resources: water and breathing air. Under current firefighting standard operations, by the time a firefighter is prepared to enter an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environment, he will be wearing or carrying close to 100 pounds

By Mario H. Trevino

Have you ever heard of firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS)? If not, you’re not alone.

In fact, a majority of fire chiefs, fire marshals, and firefighters in the United States either have minimal knowledge or are completely unaware of this technological advancement, even though FARS are in the 2015 Edition of the International Fire Code as Appendix “L.”

Don’t be surprised. Many of the technologies we take for granted today, like thermal imaging cameras, were unheard of in the fire service not so long ago. New technologies arise every day, and not many things have the staying power to go on to affect our day-to-day operations. Even the best new ideas take time to gain acceptance in our complicated industry.

1 Firefighters using the “Bottle Brigade” method to cache air bottles in a high-rise building. Each member normally carries two bottles, one in each hand. This is a slow, difficult process for all involved. Because of firefighter fatigue, each member can only do one or two trips up stairways to higher floors before needing time in rehab. (Photos courtesy of Rescue Air Systems.)

FARS are now at that point. More and more jurisdictions are requiring FARS in midrise and high-rise buildings, large “big box” structures, and other new construction projects. Thousands of firefighters are becoming familiar with both the concept and the benefits of these systems. More than 400 FARS have been installed and are in service across the country, and there are 35 more currently in various stages of installation. FARS have been adopted in numerous states, including Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. As awareness grows, more and more jurisdictions are investigating and embracing the technology.

Even if you are part of a jurisdiction that has not adopted FARS yet, it is still advisable to get informed about what it is, how the system operates, and the benefits offered. Why? First, from a firefighter safety perspective, it may be possible that you could find yourself in a mutual aid, urban search and rescue (USAR), or other situation and be engaged in fire suppression in a building that has built-in air replenishment. Second, if and when your community is considering adopting FARS as part of its local fire code, your opinion should be an important part of this conversation. After all, it is your safety at stake.

First, What Are FARS?

Simply stated, FARS are standpipes delivering breathing air, providing firefighters with a quick, safe, and effective means to refill their air bottles at filling stations located throughout a building during emergency operations. FARS deliver air replenishment when and where firefighters need it the most.

To effectively execute their mission of extinguishing fires, firefighters normally need two important resources: water and breathing air. Under current firefighting standard operations, by the time a firefighter is prepared to enter an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environment, he will be wearing or carrying close to 100 pounds

Richard Marinucci

There doesn’t seem to be much use for a five-legged stool, as there would be one or two extra legs that have no use. But when delivering water, there are five parts that must be compatible to deliver water to the fire that is most efficient and effective.

If the components don’t match, there will be deficiencies in the system. If you have the best water supply possible but don’t have the pump capacity to move the water, the supply becomes more insignificant. If your staffing doesn’t allow for enough hands to deliver a larger capacity, then unlimited water and huge pump capacity become less relevant. You should get the picture and need to look at each leg of the delivery system to move water to where it can do the most good.

Most, if not all, fire departments have little to do with the water supply in their community. They probably don’t control the distribution system if there is a municipal department that purifies and pumps the water through a system of pipes. You basically get what they want to deliver. There are exceptions, as some departments are provided an opportunity to comment on new development and the required fire flow and hydrant placement. I don’t mean to discount established standards that take into consideration fire service needs. I am suggesting that once a system is established, it is not under the control of the fire service.

In areas with no fire hydrants or delivery systems, fire departments use tankers/tenders (depending on your terminology in your part of the country), but the source to fill up those tankers is, again, outside the purview of the fire service. If a community does not have the capacity to meet the fire flow needs, then there is an impact on the capabilities of a fire department to be effective and make a difference. How many times have you heard the reason for a building burning down was the lack of fire hydrants or a reliable water supply? Fire service professionals know a sufficient water source is essential for success.

Whether you have a water system with hydrants or a tanker operation with a good source, fire personnel must know the capabilities of the system. They must know how much water could be delivered if the rest of the parts needed to move the water are in place. Departments with municipal supplies need to establish and maintain a good working relationship with their water departments so they know what is available at all times. Even the best systems have downtimes- that is, they require maintenance, pipes break, and the pumps can malfunction. Departments that are aware of these downtimes can make adjustments before the next fire occurs. It is too late to find out a hydrant is out of service after you have laid hose to it.

There are operational as well as budgetary issues to consider. If you do not have the capabilities of delivering a certain amount of water because of restrictions in pump capacity or staffing, then there is a challenge to evaluate the entire process and match up capabilities. You could have a great hydrant and main system, but if you do not have the proper size supply line, you will not get the desired water from the system. If you can get the water delivered to your apparatus but your pump serves as a reducing valve, you may have underspecified your vehicle. Once water is delivered to your apparatus, the equipment, including fittings, appliances, and hose, must be able to handle the capacity.

A suggestion would be to evaluate the entire delivery system-from the source to discharge-

Richard Marinucci

There doesn’t seem to be much use for a five-legged stool, as there would be one or two extra legs that have no use. But when delivering water, there are five parts that must be compatible to deliver water to the fire that is most efficient and effective.

If the components don’t match, there will be deficiencies in the system. If you have the best water supply possible but don’t have the pump capacity to move the water, the supply becomes more insignificant. If your staffing doesn’t allow for enough hands to deliver a larger capacity, then unlimited water and huge pump capacity become less relevant. You should get the picture and need to look at each leg of the delivery system to move water to where it can do the most good.

Most, if not all, fire departments have little to do with the water supply in their community. They probably don’t control the distribution system if there is a municipal department that purifies and pumps the water through a system of pipes. You basically get what they want to deliver. There are exceptions, as some departments are provided an opportunity to comment on new development and the required fire flow and hydrant placement. I don’t mean to discount established standards that take into consideration fire service needs. I am suggesting that once a system is established, it is not under the control of the fire service.

In areas with no fire hydrants or delivery systems, fire departments use tankers/tenders (depending on your terminology in your part of the country), but the source to fill up those tankers is, again, outside the purview of the fire service. If a community does not have the capacity to meet the fire flow needs, then there is an impact on the capabilities of a fire department to be effective and make a difference. How many times have you heard the reason for a building burning down was the lack of fire hydrants or a reliable water supply? Fire service professionals know a sufficient water source is essential for success.

Whether you have a water system with hydrants or a tanker operation with a good source, fire personnel must know the capabilities of the system. They must know how much water could be delivered if the rest of the parts needed to move the water are in place. Departments with municipal supplies need to establish and maintain a good working relationship with their water departments so they know what is available at all times. Even the best systems have downtimes- that is, they require maintenance, pipes break, and the pumps can malfunction. Departments that are aware of these downtimes can make adjustments before the next fire occurs. It is too late to find out a hydrant is out of service after you have laid hose to it.

There are operational as well as budgetary issues to consider. If you do not have the capabilities of delivering a certain amount of water because of restrictions in pump capacity or staffing, then there is a challenge to evaluate the entire process and match up capabilities. You could have a great hydrant and main system, but if you do not have the proper size supply line, you will not get the desired water from the system. If you can get the water delivered to your apparatus but your pump serves as a reducing valve, you may have underspecified your vehicle. Once water is delivered to your apparatus, the equipment, including fittings, appliances, and hose, must be able to handle the capacity.

A suggestion would be to evaluate the entire delivery system-from the source to discharge-