Compressed Air Foam System
A Compressed Air Foam System for hand hose, abbreviated CAFS, is a system used in firefighting to deliver fire retardant foam for the purpose of extinguishing a fire or protecting unburned areas from becoming involved in flame.

The idea that water is not a perfect tool for extinguishments has been long noted, as by W. E. Clark (1991): The process of extinguishing fire by water is cumbersome and generally costly … the cost of installing water mains large enough for required flow, the installation and maintenance of fire hydrants, and the acquisition and maintenance of fire department pumpers, fire hose, and nozzles, make water a fairly expensive extinguishing agent … the use of water is hardly the ideal way to extinguish fire … there must be a better method waiting to be discovered.

Fire Solutions LLC manufactures self-contained Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) that are safe and easy to operate. They are ideal for meeting numerous fire protection needs and requirements. Activation is simple and straightforward; simply turn one lever a quarter of a turn for automatic compressed air foam. Our patented process mixes the foam and water outside the tank.

A major advantage of using CAFS is having the unique ability to produce a wide range of foam qualities or foam types to provide the most appropriate foam response to individual fire situations.

Fire Fighting Foam FAQ
1. Do the compressed air foam system (CAFS) units need electricity or water?
No. Our CAFS are powered by compressed air or nitrogen gas.

2. Why is foam better than water alone?
Our Class A foam is detergent based. Class A foams reduce the surface tension of water and help water penetrate surfaces which normally repel water such as dusty roofs and charcoal. It also reflects radiated heat, holds vapors, cools and clings to a variety of surfaces to hold water in place. The Federal National Institute of Standards and Technologies has determined that Class A and B foam increases the efficiency of water by 5 or more times.

3. How much foam does it make?
The compressed air foam systems are set to develop approximately 20 gallons of foam for each gallon of water. Therefore 30 gallons of water makes 600 gallons of foam; 60 gallons of water make 1,200 gallons of foam etc. Foam expansion ratios can be adjusted. Please contact us for additional information.

4. How long does the foam last?
The longevity of Class A foam depends on the relative humidity and wind. CAFS foam will likely last about two hours under average weather conditions -- possibly longer under certain humidity conditions. After the foam disappears most surfaces stay wet for a longer period of time compared to water

5. What maintenance is required?
Little or no maintenance is required for the lifetime of the unit, providing reasonable care is taken such as protected from freezing and shielded from the sun. It is necessary to check the pressure level in the nitrogen gas cylinder at least once a year.

6. Will the foam stain surfaces?
No, the foam will not stain.

7. Do I have to keep it indoors?
No, but it is important that the unit is kept from freezing and protected from the sun's ultraviolet rays.

8. Can I use it more than once?
Yes, it can be used many times during the unit's lifetime. After use, all that is necessary is to replace the nitrogen gas cylinder (refilled or exchanged at nearby welding supply) and add water. There is enough foam supplied with the unit to last at least three uses. More foam concentrate can easily be added.