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I'm trying to get some info on some advantages of foam.

I've been in the fire service for 3 years now and our new Chief put in a new SOP that all structural fires and grass/wildfires we are to use Class A Foam on them. I was wondering if I could get some info on Class A Foam and where I can learn more on it. And we are to use Class B on all car fires dose anyone know much about them to.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Alan Butsch on May 5, 2009 at 8:52am

IFSTA has a good book on the use of firefighting foams. Also if you look on the website for whomever makes your foam they should have a very specific usage guide (as well as the MSDS - which is important).

In general Class A foams provide a bubble structure (insulating qualities), decrease surface tension (which adds "soakability"), and add stickiness (due to the inclusion of emulsifiers). So the water remains in contact with your Class A fuel for a longer period of time.

Your chief should rethink his policy on Class B foam - they are effective on flamable liquid pool fires only. A car fire (with the exception of the fuel) is just a Class A fire on wheels. So Class A foam would be more effective.

I hope you are using a foam pump to proportion your Class A foam and not an in-line eductor. If you aren't then your reach, penetration, and flow are all going to suffer.

Hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by Jeff Cotner on July 17, 2009 at 9:34am

I agree with what alan said. There is lots of info out there, just goggle Class "A" Foam or CAFS.
If you have questions on one or two things you don't understand, i would be glad to try and help.
jcot551@yahoo.com

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