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Four Ways to Apply Foam Fire

Firefighters use special firefighting foams to control flammable liquid fires or reduce the potential of spills catching on fire. A properly applied foam blanket covers the fuel and essentially creates a barrier between the fuel and oxygen. Foam blankets that are improperly applied not only do very little to control a fuel fire, but also may create a dangerous situation for firefighters. This is why it is vital to learn how to apply firefighting foam.

  1. Roll-on Method

    • The roll-on method can be used on flammable liquid spills that are not diked or uncontained. This method involves the firefighter on the nozzle (or turret in the ARFF apparatus) directing the foam stream near the edge of the liquid fuel that is on fire. Using a sweeping motion, the firefighter creates a complete foam blanket as the foam rolls over the surface of the fuel fire. This controls and extinguishes the fire.

    Bank-Down or Deflection Method

    • The deflection method is used when there is an object in which the firefighter can direct the foam stream deflect off of. The stream is directed at the object, causing a disruption in the stream, which then flows down onto the flammable liquid surface. As the foam flows down or deflects off of the object, it rolls over the surface of flammable liquid to control or extinguish the fire.

    Rain-down or Raindrop Method

    • The raindrop method calls for the foam stream to be directed into the air, above the fuel fire. The finished foam from the stream then gently rains down upon the surface of the flammable liquid fire until a complete blanket is formed. It is more effective when the stream is allowed to rain over one location of the fire and moved out as the finished foam blanket is formed. This method is employed when the previous methods mentioned here are not feasible, meaning that the spill is too large or there is not an object from which the stream can be deflected off of.

    Pool Redirection

    • Sometimes a flammable liquid pool needs to be redirected from an object to create a safer environment or provide a safe path for firefighters to perform rescue operations. This advanced technique requires the foam stream to effectively push away a pool to a desired location by directing it at and then sweeping across the pool's edge. Only experienced professionals who are skilled in this method should ever attempt this technique because of the high probability of splashing or spreading the fuel fire.

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