Some Foam Facts

Out of sight, out of mind!

We don't often have the opportunity to use firefighting foam. Because of it's expense we don't often train with it either.

Use this week's bulletin as an opportunity to do some research and make sure the troops are up to speed on foam. This is not all inclusive and you need to do some more research but it is just designed to get you thinking.

Some terms:

Foam Concentrate : What is carried on the apparatus, usually in 5 gallon containers.

Foam Solution: Concentrate mixed with water in the hoseline delivery system

Finished Foam: Foam solution, mixed with air, and applied to the burning fuel.

Foam Types

AFFF - Aqueous Film Forming Foam

Protein

Polar Solvent

High Expansion

Class A Foam

Typical Foam Troubleshooting problems:

The nozzle GPM must match the eductor GPM.

There cannot be more than a minor elevation distance to the nozzle from eductor.

Most eductors require high inlet pressures. (Up to and including 200 psi)

There should not be excessive hose length between nozzle and eductor.

Improper percentage and concentration set on eductor.

Plugged or fouled eductor from lack of use.

Class A Foam Information

Usually run at 1/2 of 1% or less.

Can be used for rapid knockdown of class A fires.

Will generally require less water usage. Great for rural department application.

Can be batch mixed into water tank, although not usually reccomended.

Excellent for exposure protection to prevent ignition.

Excellent for woodland and brush fires.

Helps prevent and minimize re-ignitions.

Foam Application Techniques

Bank & Roll into and onto burning fuel.

Raindrop method of allowing foam to fall gently onto surface.

Bouncing foam off of a backdrop.

Specialized subsurface injection in large bulk facilities.

Gentle application so as not to disturb the surface of the burning fuel.

Some Training Techniques

Use Concentrated soap solutions in pails for foam substitutes

Practice set up of all equipment, including setting of proper percentages on eductor.

If you have an on-board system, practice set up techniques.