Download Essentials of Firefighting (4th Edition-FF2)-Chapter

Firefighter II Objectives
Foam
OBJECTIVE 4-13.1 (Principles of Foam Fire Fighting, Page 15)
DEFINE 4 METHODS BY WHICH FOAM PREVENTS OR CONTROLS A HAZARD.

Reduction of fuel temperature (COOLING)
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Elimination of the fuel (SUPPRESSING)

Dilution of oxygen (SMOTHERING)

Interruption of the chemical chain reaction (INTERVENING).
OBJECTIVE 4-13.2 (Principles of Foam Fire Fighting, Page 28)
DEFINE THE PRINCIPLE BY WHICH FOAM IS GENERATED.

Generated by proportioning (mixing with water) and aerated (mixed with air) to produce FOAM.
OBJECTIVE 4-13.3 (Essentials, Page 499)
DEFINE COMMON CAUSES FOR THE POOR GENERATION OF FOAM AND IDENTIFY THE PROCEDURES
FOR CORRECTING EACH.

Foam concentrate, water, air, and mechanical agitation are all needed to produce quality fire fighting foam. All
elements must be present in correct ratios. Elimination of any element results in poor or no foam production.

Eductor and nozzle flow ratings do not match so foam concentrate cannot induct into the fire stream.
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Air leaks at fittings cause loss of suction.
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Improper cleaning of proportioning equipment causes clogged foam passages.

Nozzle not open fully restrict water flow.

Hose lay on discharge side of eductor too long, creating excess back pressure causing reduced foam pickup at
eductor.
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Hoses are kinked and stops flow.
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Nozzles too far above eductor causing excessive elevation pressure.
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Mixing different types of foam concentrate in the same tank resulting in a mixture too viscous to pass through
eductor.
OBJECTIVE 4-13.4 (Principles of Foam Fire Fighting, Page 100)
DEFINE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HYDROCARBON AND POLAR SOLVENT FUELS AND IDENTIFY
THE TYPE OF FOAM CONCENTRATE REQUIRED FOR EACH FUEL.

Hydrocarbon Fuels-(Crude Oil, Fuel Oil, Gasoline, Benzene, Naptha, Jet Fuel, and Kerosene)
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Polar Solvents-(Alcohols, Acetone, Lacquer Thinner, Ketones, Esters, and Acids)

Class B Foam at a 3% concentration can be used to extinguish Hydrocarbon Fuel fires while a 6%
concentration can be used on Polar Solvent fires.

Newer Multipurpose foam may be used at a 3% concentration for both types.

Hydrocarbon flow rate – 0.16gpm/square foot for at least 15 minutes.
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Polar Solvent flow rate – 0.10-0.20gpm/square foot for at least 15 minutes.
OBJECTIVE 4-13.5 (Principles of Foam Fire Fighting, Pages 49-54)
DEFINE THE ADVANTAGES, CHARACTERISTICS, AND PRECAUTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE
FOLLOWING TYPES OF FOAMS.

PROTEIN – Excellent water retention capabilities, high heat resistance, performance not affected by heating or
thawing, can be stored at temperatures from 20-120 degrees Fahrenheit, can be compounded for freeze
protection. DO NOT plunge when applying.

FLUOROPROTIEN – May be used with fresh or salt water, good water retention, extremely high resistance to
heat, can be stored at temperatures from 20-120 degrees Fahrenheit, performance not affected by freezing or
thawing, can be freeze protected with non-flammable antifreeze, can be stored pre-mixed for a short time,
compatible with simultaneous application of dry chemical extinguishing agents, and maintains low viscosity at
low storage and use temperatures.

FFFP (Film Forming Fluoroprotien) – Can be stored at temperatures from 10-120 degrees Fahrenheit with
good low temperature viscosity, can be stored pre-mixed, compatible with simultaneous application of dry
chemical extinguishing agents, performance not affected by freezing or thawing.

AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Fluoroprotien) – Detergent-based, can be stored pre-mixed, can be used with
non-aerating nozzles, can be stored at temperatures from 25-120 degrees Fahrenheit, can be freeze protected
with non-flammable antifreeze, and has good low temperature viscosity.

HAZ-MAT VAPOR MITIGATING FOAM – Low expansion, can change pH or remove water from foams
rendering them ineffective, foam provides a blanket that helps to separate the fuel and vapors from heat
sources.

MEDIUM/HIGH EXPANSION FOAM – Can be stored at temperatures from 27-110 degrees Fahrenheit,
performance not affected by freezing or thawing, poor heat resistance, high air to water ratio, cannot have
prolonged contact with galvanized steel or raw steel, expansion ratios are 300:1-1250:1 for high and 50:1300:1 for medium. Not recommended for outdoor use because the slightest breeze may remove the blanket in
sheets.
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CLASS A FOAM – May be used with regular water stream equipment, low proportion rate is required (0.10.5%), residual solution left on extinguished materials may mix with subsequent water that is applied to further
soak into the materials, subject to freezing at 32 degrees Fahrenheit but can be thawed, and can be stored premixed.
OBJECTIVE 4-13.6 (Principles of Foam Fire Fighting, Page 54)
DEFINE THE PRECAUTIONS THAT MUST BE TAKEN WHEN USING HIGH-EXPANSION FOAM TO
ATTACK STRUCTURAL FIRES.

It cannot have prolonged contact with galvanized steel or raw steel. Foam concentrate may attack these
surfaces.