MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Bulk fuel specialists from Combat Service Support Group 3 and Base Fuels, Headquarters Bn., MCB Hawaii, tested new firefighting equipment recently, as part of their annual refresher training to maintain proficiency in firefighting techniques.
The new Compressed Air Foam System uses a mixture of foam and water and has the capability of extinguishing fires in less than thirty seconds.
"I think it is a really effective piece of equipment," said Cpl. Bryan C. Sichley, a bulk fuel training noncommissioned officer for CSSG-3. "We needed some new equipment to fight fires more efficiently."
The CAFS is diesel powered. It mixes water and foam together in a tank before pumping the mixture through a hose to extinguish fires. The bulk fuel specialists will use it mainly to control fuel fires.
"Water is heavier than fuel. It will go straight to the bottom of the fire, which isn't very effective," added Sichley.
During a firefight, the compressed foam cools the fire and removes its energy. As the foam dissolves, water is released and absorbs the heat from the fire, and it turns into steam.
The CAFS system has many benefits over fighting fire with only water. It is relatively lightweight at 1,000 pounds and can easily be transported to scenes requiring emergency equipment, on the back of small trucks.
It is also easy to use, requiring operators to perform only three steps to produce wet, medium, or dry foam. Further, with the use of foam, the amount of water needed to extinguish a fire is greatly reduced.
"I think this system is going to make firefighting much safer and a lot easier in a firefight," said Sichley.
Overall, the CAFS makes an excellent first response due to its compact size. Five to 30 times more efficient than water when used in suppressing fire, its lightweight hoses are also easier for firefighters to control.