Foam equipment and concentrates are vital for fighting flammable liquid fires, where water alone is ineffective. These systems are designed to suppress Class B fires—such as those involving oil, gasoline, chemicals, and jet fuel—by creating a thick, stable blanket of foam that cools the fire and prevents the release of flammable vapors.

Foam equipment includes proportioners, foam monitors, nozzles, generators, and storage tanks, all engineered to mix water with foam concentrate in precise ratios. Once deployed, the foam forms a barrier between the fuel and oxygen, quickly controlling or extinguishing the fire. Depending on the risk profile, different foam application systems are used: fixed systems in industrial plants, mobile units on fire trucks, and portable foam extinguishers for smaller areas.

Foam concentrates come in several types, including Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), Alcohol-Resistant AFFF (AR-AFFF), and fluorine-free foams, each chosen based on the fire hazard and environmental requirements. Modern foams are designed to deliver maximum effectiveness with minimal environmental impact, adhering to standards such as NFPA 11 and EN 1568.

Proper storage, handling, and testing of foam concentrates are crucial. Aging or contaminated concentrates can compromise firefighting performance. Regular inspection of foam equipment ensures reliable operation during critical moments.

Foam systems offer fast knockdown, vapor suppression, and re-ignition resistance, making them essential for oil terminals, chemical storage facilities, aircraft hangars, and marine vessels. When liquid fires break out, foam is often the most effective—and sometimes the only—solution.