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Class A Foam vs Wetting Agents

Has anyone tested the difference in Class A foams and wetting agents? Our department uses a wetting agent with huge success. I have had a few house fires with fire through the roof that were stopped dead in their tracks with the wetting agent. The major problem with these agents seems to be a lack of research to support the claims of the companies producing these agents.

There also seeems to be a fear among many fire service professionals that these agents can't be that good. I can assure you the agent we are using is that good. I have had members of the fire service witness how well the agent works and still refuse to embrace the use of it. I just can't figure out why the fire service is so afraid that there might be a better way of doing things out there.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jeff Cotner on April 3, 2008 at 12:42pm

A True Class "A" foam is a wetting agent and makes bubbles. Some wetting agents do not make bubbles. Just be careful of what you buy. Make sure it has been tested by US Forest Service. The bubbles have many great advantages for us in the structure firefighting world. If you watch my web cast on Class A Foam, it should help explain some of those issues.

Permalink Reply by Shawn Oke on April 3, 2008 at 1:14pm

Have you spent any time working with NFPA 18 compliant wetting agents as opposed to Class A foams? If you would like to talk email me at soke@ci.albemarle.nc.us with contact information and I will contact you. I think I might have some good information for you.

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