Which type of foam is commonly used in ARFF operations?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is widely recognized as the preferred type of foam for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) operations due to its unique properties. AFFF is specifically designed to combat hydrocarbon fires, which are commonly associated with aviation fuel. Its formulation enables it to create a thin film that spreads across the surface of the fuel, effectively suppressing flames and preventing re-ignition. This film-forming capability is critical in emergency situations involving aircraft incidents, where rapid and effective fire suppression is essential to protect lives and property.

The effectiveness of AFFF in extinguishing fires can be attributed to its ability to reduce the temperature of the burning material and its capacity to seal off the fuel source from oxygen, thus inhibiting combustion. In ARFF operations, where time is of the essence, AFFF provides a quick and efficient solution to suppress flames and control hazardous situations.

While other foam types, such as protein foam, film-forming fluoroprotein foam, and Class A foam, have their applications, they do not match the specific advantages of AFFF in an aviation context. Protein foam, for example, tends to be less effective on hydrocarbon fuels because it does not form the same protective film as A