CAFS or just foam

[Firehose]

On arrival at a working structure fire, what dictates the use of CAFS or water and Class A foam. How does the use of CAFS change a normal structure fire attack?

[stone35]

If you goto the FIREHOUSE search engine and search for the word CAFS you will find a very interesting article about the use of CAFS on structure fires. The author of the piece goes into detail on how to properly apply, what situations are best for CAFS, and when you are over-applying the CAFS solution to your fireload. Anyone who sees this should check it out, it is definite food for thought.

[stone35]

I would say that the call to use CAFS is if you had minimal manpower and a limited supply of water. The hoselines are lightened due to the added amount of air within the hoseline itself, 52% is what the author of that article advised. The lightened load would allow your firefighters to move within the fire scene with minimal energy depletion. The added bonus of using less water cuts the need to establish a water shuttle, thus focusing on your attack teams.

The compressed lines allow firefighters to begin their attack farther back from the scene, and eventually penetrate deeper into the structure with their steams. Depending on the type of foam you use, you can coat and cover areas that you may wish to keep from burning due to radiation of the flames.

When using the CAFS system you have to change your firefighting techniques somewhat. Instead of shutting down your stream when the smoke darkens, you will need to continue your aggressive attack to cool the fire stricken area. The flames may have disappeared, but the heat will be really intense thus requiring the extra coating of your foam. When applying your have to be careful not to over apply the foam. You will know that your are over applying when you see that your foam is flowing over the floor in rivers. It takes some getting use to, but it is nice to have handy.

I encourage everyone to investigate this matter, and possibly locate a department who has one of these apparatuses to get a first-hand look at how the operation really reacts to the structure fire.

As the author is quick to point out, this system is not a "silver bullet," but it could be a real assett to your company.

[Firehose]

Stone,
thanks for the info. We are looking forward to having the cafs system . Unfortunitly, there are no other depts anywhere in the area that we have been able to see first hand.