Nov 1, 2008 12:00 AM
The reason that EMS was so quickly accepted was because of Johnny and Roy, said one compressed-air foam instructor. “We need a television program about Class A foam and CAFS.”
Emergency and its lead characters, paramedics Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto, helped raise the public’s awareness of EMS in the early 1970s. Maybe there should be a televsion program about firefighters using foam to extinguish fires. When residents know the benefits of fighting fires with Class A foam, maybe they will buy the equipment for the fire department — but would firefighters use it?
Twenty years ago, the Los Angeles County Fire Department began using a Class A foam/water solution dropped from helicopters on wildland fires. A few years later, the department began intensive research with Class A foam proportioners on engine companies. The result was a total commitment to using Class A foam throughout the department.
Seven years ago, FIRE CHIEF published, "Bubbles Beat Foam,” an article about LACFD’s research on foam versus water. It remains the most-reprinted article in the magazine’s history.
While the benefits of using Class A or compressed-air foams to extinguish a fire are many, there are environmental reasons to use foam for extinguishment, as well.
1.) Increased water conservation. The argument that water is free doesn’t hold water anymore. Environmentalists are raising red flags about saving water. Fire can be extinguished with less water and even less foam concentrate than 10 years ago.
2.) Reduced air pollution. Extinguishing a fire quickly means less smoke and toxic particles in the air.
3.) Reduced water pollution. Less run-off water from fires means less contamination to water systems.
4.) Reduced damage. Quick extinguishment along with less water equals less damage and clean-up for victims.
5.) Increase firefighter safety. Firefighters face less exposure and invasive procedures with foam systems.
This year’s “Focus on Foam” offers a technical perspective from experts to encourage you to try the new agents available to contain and stop fire quickly. Costs are down, maintenance is simplified and enhanced training is available.
A New Jersey captain once said, “Make the first line count. The first few minutes determine the next few hours.” If your house was on fire, wouldn’t you want it out quickly? Think about it.
Updated 04/20/2011