The student will understand why and how a Compressed Air Foam (CAF) fire stream is a
more safe, effective, and efficient technology for structural firefighting operations than a plain
water or Class A foam fire stream
2
Terminal Performance Objective
Enabling Objectives
3
State three reasons why CAF is a more effective and efficient fire extinguishment agent
List the positive benefits of CAF fire streams over conventional water or Class A foam fire streams
List six considerations when using CAF fire streams
Heat Absorbing Performance
5
600
200 200 200
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
0:00 1:28 1:45 6:03
Avg. Interior Temperature
Elapsed Time (minutes)
Fire Attack Starts
CAF Stream
Class A Foam
Plain Water
Test StructuresSingle-family dwellings,
circa 1940’sWood-frame constructionIdentical 1105-square-foot
floor plansTests conducted in
compliance with NFPA 1403
8
Iowa “Rate-of-flow” Formula
9
Length
Wid
th
l x w x h / 100 = Required 30 second
GPM flow
l x w x h / 200 = Required # of gallons
of water needed
Benefits of CAF for Structural Fire Attack
11
Increased water conservationReduced air pollutionReduced water pollutionReduced property damageReduced firefighter safety risk
Considerations When Using CAF Fire Streams for Interior Fire Attack
12
Ensure proper flow rate required by the size of structure and extent of fire involvement
Properly charged CAF lines have strong nozzle reactionInitiation of interior fire attack can occur from exteriorCAF fire streams generate large volumes of steamUpper portions of room will still be hotUse of CAF doesn’t eliminate need for overhaul