ABSTRACT
Fire fighting foam is an indispensable operating resource for firefighters. It possesses many advantages during the emergency action. Common firefighting foams and also aqueous film forming foams are almost immediately destroyed if they come into contact with alcohols or other polar liquids. Generally, the water content of the foam is very important with respect to its cooling ability and its durability, as well as its resistance and protective abilities against heat. Below a critical application rate, a fire cannot be extinguished since the foam brakes down faster than it can be applied due to the heat of the fire and the chemical or physical interaction of the foam with the burning material. The destruction rate is defined as the amount of firefighting foam which is destroyed immediately when it hits the fire. The drainage rate defines the amount of aqueous solution which drains from the foam in a given time.
