Cutting edge equipment puts Kent Fire & Rescue Service on the map
- By Chief Editor
- Published 29 Apr 2008
- Kent
- Unrated
Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is set to demonstrate cutting edge equipment at a special exercise at Ashford Fire Station on 6th May.
The new equipment - known as Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) and Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fans – is designed to minimise the environmental impact of fire fighting and to improve crew safety.
Assistant Director of Community Safety Steve Griffiths said: “KFRS is recognised as innovator of modern and advanced fire fighting. As a forward thinking organisation, we are constantly striving to improve our service and provide value for money and as part of this have invested in life saving equipment that will help us provide the best service we can.”
Traditionally, firefighters use large quantities of water to extinguish fires. The adverse affects of which include: the impact it can have on water supplies; it creates steam which in turn causes more damage to property; the contaminated water “run off” from fires has the potential to enter water courses, causing further damage to the environment.
With the new CAF system, fire crews are able to mix very small amounts of foam with compressed air and water to make a large quantity of wet or dry foam to fight fires.
When used, the foam sticks to the material that is on fire, immens
ely reducing the possibility of “run off” from entering water courses. It also has less surface tension than water, so is quickly absorbed, suppressing and cooling fires faster than traditional techniques.
Steve said: “There are several benefits to investing in such equipment. Because the foam extinguishes fires much faster than using water, we can minimise crews exposure to fumes therefore improving their safety. We are then able to release appliances and firefighters from the scene of an incident much sooner, leaving us able to respond better when you may need us. In addition, because we are using considerably less water than we would do normally, it vastly reduces the detrimental effects a fire can have on local surroundings.”
The PPV fans are used to increase pressure inside fire hit buildings which, subsequently, drive out heat, smoke, gases and other products of combustion.
The fan typically provides a flow of cool, fresh air into a building, making it much safer for firefighters who may have to enter a building to tackle the fire within or if they had to rescue people trapped inside.
Steve said: “KFRS prides itself on being one the best fire and rescue services in the country. Investing these new pieces of equipment demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of our staff and the people we serve and also proves KFRS as a pioneer of modern day fire fighting.”
The new equipment - known as Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) and Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) fans – is designed to minimise the environmental impact of fire fighting and to improve crew safety.
Assistant Director of Community Safety Steve Griffiths said: “KFRS is recognised as innovator of modern and advanced fire fighting. As a forward thinking organisation, we are constantly striving to improve our service and provide value for money and as part of this have invested in life saving equipment that will help us provide the best service we can.”
Traditionally, firefighters use large quantities of water to extinguish fires. The adverse affects of which include: the impact it can have on water supplies; it creates steam which in turn causes more damage to property; the contaminated water “run off” from fires has the potential to enter water courses, causing further damage to the environment.
With the new CAF system, fire crews are able to mix very small amounts of foam with compressed air and water to make a large quantity of wet or dry foam to fight fires.
When used, the foam sticks to the material that is on fire, immens
Steve said: “There are several benefits to investing in such equipment. Because the foam extinguishes fires much faster than using water, we can minimise crews exposure to fumes therefore improving their safety. We are then able to release appliances and firefighters from the scene of an incident much sooner, leaving us able to respond better when you may need us. In addition, because we are using considerably less water than we would do normally, it vastly reduces the detrimental effects a fire can have on local surroundings.”
The PPV fans are used to increase pressure inside fire hit buildings which, subsequently, drive out heat, smoke, gases and other products of combustion.
The fan typically provides a flow of cool, fresh air into a building, making it much safer for firefighters who may have to enter a building to tackle the fire within or if they had to rescue people trapped inside.
Steve said: “KFRS prides itself on being one the best fire and rescue services in the country. Investing these new pieces of equipment demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of our staff and the people we serve and also proves KFRS as a pioneer of modern day fire fighting.”