The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association (FAMA) and its member companies stay on the forefront of fire suppression innovation.

GRADY NORTH

One such innovation is the use of compressed air foam systems (CAFS) in applications ranging from house fires to plane crashes. In this article, we will look at the use of CAFS in wildland firefighting.

About CAFS

CAFS have a long history as effective firefighting agents for wildland fires. The first use dates back to 1978 when the technology was introduced by the Texas Department of Forestry, known as the "Texas Snow Job." Within 10 years, U.S. federal fire agencies began using CAFS on wildland fires. Before we discuss CAFS on wildland apparatus, you must first understand what compressed air foam is and how it is generated.

For a discussion of wildland applications, I will limit the foam concentrate to the Class A type for use on ordinary combustibles but not hydrocarbon or metal fires. Other types of foam and firefighting agents have been successfully expanded with CAFS techniques but usually for more specific applications such as Class B foam for aviation firefighting. Adding Class A foam to water helps reduce surface tension so it will soak into combustibles instead of setting on the surface. It has been estimated that when combined as a solution, Class A foams are up to 20 times more effective than plain water alone.

CAFS take this a step further by tying up more water (up to 80 percent more) within bubble structures instead of droplets. The mixing of the air and foam is accomplished near the source of the discharge, creating discharge lines that are lightweight and consisting mostly of foam bubbles. Compressed air foam is the method whereby air is introduced into a foam solution by a mechanical means, generating a highly aspirated, high-energy foam product. There are two types of mechanisms used to create the compressed air. One is the use of stored air (high-pressure air cylinders) combined with a regulator to reduce air pressure at the injection point. These systems typically use a premixed solution of foam and water in a tank that can be pressurized. The stored-air cylinders provide air for both pressurizing the premix tank and injecting air downstream to create compressed air foam. This system has limitations in that once the air cylinders are empty, they must be replaced or refilled. However, stored-air systems have few moving parts and are very cost-effective.

The second and more common method of creating compressed air foam is with the use of an air compressor. Air compressors can be driven by the chassis power takeoff (PTO), by an auxiliary engine, or from the main pump gearbox. Air compressors have the advantage of a continuous source of air for extended firefighting operations. They have the disadvantage of more complexity and cost over a stored air system.

Wildland Fire Apparatus

Today wildland apparatus can be anything from a pickup truck with a flatbed to an urban interface custom pumper. A critical component of CAFS is the air source. Compressed air foam requires approximately 1 cubic foot of air for each gallon of foam liquid. If you are supplying a booster line or single attack line, your flow might be 60 to 95 gallons per minute (gpm). Thus, you might require a 90-cubic-foot-per-minute (cfm) air compressor. If you are supplying multiple attack lines and a bumper turret, your total flow might be over 200 gpm, requiring a 200-cfm air compressor. It is important to consider that compressed air foam expands the water flow. If you have a 10:1 expansion ratio, a 60-gpm liquid flow will result in 600 gpm of compressed air foam exiting the nozzle. You can expect a considerab

Chris Mc Loone

When it comes to FDIC International, you won't find a better combination of training, education, and product information anywhere.

Through hands-on training (HOT), classroom education, and the largest North American fire service exhibition, FDIC International provides attendees with a unique opportunity to see the newest products, to learn about the newest products, and to use the newest products from fire service suppliers.

Hands-on Training

The week begins with HOT evolutions, and the full breadth of FDIC International's resources quickly becomes apparent. At the Heavy Vehicle Extrication class, for example, students use extrication equipment from various manufacturers ranging from stabilization tools to hydraulic extrication tools. FDIC International is about bringing home the lessons learned to use at your own department. In this example, students learned techniques and about what tools are available to their departments.

At FDIC International 2015's Heavy Vehicle Extrication hands-on training evolution, instructors were given the opportunity to use a retired apparatus to demonstrate extrication techniques involving fire apparatus. The plan for the evolution was to force the door, remove the door, clam shell the roof, and roll the dash. (Photo by Tim Olk.)

Another example comes from the Aerial Ladder and Tower Ladder Placement and Operations class. Lead instructor Mike Wilbur began the class by explaining to the students that between the apparatus from local departments and brand new apparatus being made available to them, there was more than $6 million in equipment.

Education

After HOT, FDIC International attendees enjoy access to 200 classroom sessions. Don't think that just because it takes place in the classroom that there is nothing to learn about apparatus and equipment. This year's classrooms included education on quint fire apparatus, apparatus walk-arounds, foam systems, and apparatus safety. FDIC International is well known for its tactical classes, but perhaps the best little-known secret is that there is plenty for apparatus operators and equipment specifiers to find.

Exhibits

Before the exhibits open on Thursday, FDIC International and the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association host a product showcase. This year's speaker was Ricky Riley, operations chief for the Clearwater (FL) Fire Department. Riley discussed his recent experiences in spec'ing fire apparatus and shared his lessons learned. Following his presentation was a sneak peak at the newest innovations in apparatus and apparatus components to help attendees plan their trip to the exhibit floor.

Pipes and drums help open the exhibits, followed by a huge influx of attendees anxious to see the newest products and innovations available. FDIC International is the annual springboard for new products. Along those lines, it is also an opportunity for exhibitors to gain valuable feedback