Flames blaze in rural areas, just as they do in urban neighborhoods. While the tricks and techniques of fire suppression differ between the two locales, adequate water supply is one necessity rural communities often lack, a void that can result in devastating consequences.

Fortunately for the Summit Fire Department, a rural troop located near Flagstaff, Ariz., conservative, effective use of water mixed with compressed-air foam extends water supply for safe, fast and successful fire suppression in rural and wildland areas. Through the use of hands-on orientation and product education, the department has embraced CAFS technology and promoted water conservation, all while staying true to its rural roots by upholding the traditional value of using water to knock down flames.

As part of its recent education courses, the department organized and participated in classroom and hands-on product orientation paired with demonstrations conducted by seasoned firefighters and factory-certified representatives. Firefighters from rural departments across the state of Arizona participated in the orientation and hands-on CAFS demonstrations, which included live-fire situations on training grounds and an acquired structure to learn more about the emerging technology of compressed-air foam as a solution to water supply shortages in rural areas. Among other topics, the courses included orientation on new deliveries and system demonstrations.

Chief Don Howard maintains that product orientation and education has influenced the gradual, increasing acceptance of compressed air foam throughout rural Arizona, despite initial resistance to the technology by many departments, and the acknowledgement of the water conservation that takes place when using CAFS.

“The fire service in rural America is a wonderful tradition on so many different fronts,” he said. “But because people fear the unknown, accepting change can often be challenging. Overall, I think there's a lack of knowledge about CAF systems, and education helps departments overcome resistance and understand the capabilities of compressed-air foam under different types of fire conditions.”

According to Howard, many larger departments in the state participated in the orientation courses. “They had the opportunity to observe how compressed air foam works in a live fire setting. When these folks actually saw the technology in action, they couldn't believe how effective it was.”

Howard observed many participants who had never used the technology. The hands-on experience helped firefighters discover how using compressed-air foam greatly reduces physical stress when moving through the interior of a structure.

“A normal engine hoseline that's full of water is pretty heavy and hard to drag around a structure,” he said. “When we injected air into the hose … participants could hold it with one finger instead of two hands, which made maneuvering around the structure far less stressful.”

Participants additionally discovered how compressed-air foam knocks down fire at a much quicker rate, because the water is used more efficiently. “We're still using water, but we're making that water work better,” Howard said. “Efficient water use is important in rural areas and wildlands, where hydrants aren't readily available.”

While Howard remains a strong proponent of using compressed-air foam to fight fires in rural America and beyond, he advocates departments that participate in continuing education and product orientation to enhance their quality of service.

“As with most things in life, education is key,” he said. “People need to move beyond their fears of the unknown to discover and evaluate new technologies. I think it's essential that fire departments do that. We have a saying here at Summit that if you're not moving forward you're probably falling behind.”

Many departments throughout the country are committed to forward progress, and find continuing education essential in marrying long-standing firefighting traditions to new technology. Fortunately for these departments, manufacturers are right in line with traditional values and innovative technology, helping them to increase safety and protection capabilities through in-depth product orientation and education.

Keith Klassen has been active in the fire-service industry for over 33 years, working for volunteer and career departments. Currently, Klassen is a captain for Summit Fire Department in Flagstaff, Ariz., and serves as the CAFS instruction program manager for Waterous Worldwide.

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