CAFS technology has the edge on fire fighting

Improved speed of knock-down has been recorded by UK and American fire fighters using Hale Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) to tackle fires started by various accelerants.

The latest advance in the world of foam generating systems, CAFS use high-volume compressed air, typically from rotary air compressors, to provide air injection into a foam solution stream inside fire pump discharge piping.

The advantage of using CAFS is that they produce a high-quality finished foam product that knocks-down flame and cools fuel or burning material faster than nozzle aspirated Class A foam systems.

CAFS can also be used to generate Class B foam blankets for use on flammable liquids.

Available in Australia through GAAM, Ian Price, Business Manager GAAM Emergency Products, says “most fire vehicles can be fitted with CAFS with modification and GAAM will be expanding its CAFS offering this year”.

Evidence shows that CAFS can attack a fire from multiple angles – from blanketing the fuel and removing its oxygen source, to sticking to ceilings and walls, and hiding fuel.

In addition, CAFS provides improved water efficiency, which means less property damage and water run-off, and is vital if the water source is limited or remote.

Fire investigation activities are not affected by CAFS, with canine detectors able to identify the accelerant in three UK test cases, Fire investigation Officers were able to recover the evidence.

This state-of-the-art technology can be customised for different requirements and is incorporated in a variety of pumps. In the UK up to 25 per cent of brigades now use Hale CAFS.

GAAM is the sole distributor for Hale in Australia and provides full training and education to ensure all CAFS users get the most out of this fire fighting technology. 

For more information on CAFS and GAAM Emergency Products, contact Ian Price on 03 94661244.