Ron Hazelton

Protecting Your Home from Wildfires With Firefighting Foam

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HOUSE DOCTOR Transcript

HD016 “FIREFIGHTING FOAM” from episode 615

RON:

In 1992, a wildland fire destroyed over 3,000 houses in Oakland, California. Wildfires struck again the following year, consuming 600 homes in Malibu. In all, these types of fires have destroyed over 9,000 homes in the U.S. during the last 10 years.

Virtually the only weapon for controlling such places has been water. Fire retardant foam has been proven to be a much more effective tool but until recently, it's only been available to airports and fire departments.

Well, that same foam firefighting technology is now available to homeowners to protect their homes in the case of wildland fires. This is Ken Spratt. Hey Ken, thanks for joining us. Ken's with EnviroFoam Technologies. In layman's terms, how does the system work?

KEN:

Well, the system takes water and compressed air and a foam solution and mixes it into compressed air coating, as you see.

RON:

So it's using soap suds essentially to fight fire or protect your home from a fire. Now, let's say that you've got a 2,000 square foot house. How many gallons of foam would you say it would take, approximately, to cover your house in foam?

KEN:

To coat it completely, around 500 gallons.

RON:

Around 500 gallons. Now, if you were going to use just water, how much water would it take?

KEN: Well, the water it would take as much as 10 times that much water. About 5,000 gallons of water.

RON:

So that's half the swimming pool here.

KEN:

Yeah, about half of that swimming pool, yes. And the key thing is that the water is only effective as a protective barrier when it's being applied. After you stop applying it, it ceases to become an effective barrier.

RON:

So if you walk away and leave your home wet, then it's only going to protect it, the water that is, for a short period of time.

KEN:

That's correct.

RON:

So let's suppose there's a fire coming, but you're not at home. What good is this?

KEN:

Well, the fire department can use it, a neighbor could use it, or a rooftop discharge system can be installed so that the foam can be automatically discharged.

RON:

So let's say that there's a fire coming, you have advance notice of it. How long would it take to coat, let's say, a 3,000 square foot house with this machine?

KEN:

Generally, less than an hour.

RON:

And how long would that foam last once it was in place?

KEN:

Well, the foam is designed to last as long as possible, up to 24 hours in certain weather conditions. Wind and other factors have an effect on it, of course.

RON:

All right, let's say that you have a unit like this. This would be installed somewhere in your garage or in an outbuilding?

KEN:

Yes, in a pool house, in a garage, somewhere near a water source where it can draw water.

RON:

So you've really got to have a pond or a swimming pool to use this?

KEN:

Yes, you do.

RON:

And if you don't?

KEN:

Then there are some water supply systems that are available, water storage tanks that can be temporarily installed either in the garage or in the patio, that sort of thing.

RON:

So Ken, how much does this unit cost?

KEN:

This system starts at $14,500 and a fully automated system would run in the neighborhood of $25,000.

RON:

Okay, any impact on your insurance rates if you've got something like this?

KEN:

Yes, especially if you live in a high-risk area.

RON:

Okay, and if people want more information, who could they contact?

KENN:

They need to contact Envirofoam Technologies.

RON:

Okay, thanks for joining us on the show. This is a very interesting piece of equipment, could be really important in saving property and very possibly lives.

From the archives of the House Doctor

While water has traditionally been the primary tool for home defense, did you know that there is an alternative technology previously reserved for airports and fire departments that you can use?

How Foam Technology Works

The system creates a protective barrier by mixing water, compressed air, and a specialized foam solution. Think of it as high-tech "soap suds" designed to coat your home and shield it from approaching flames.

Foam vs. Water: Why it’s More Effective

While water is helpful, it has significant limitations compared to firefighting foam. Water is only an effective barrier while it is being actively applied. Once you stop, it quickly loses its protective qualities. In contrast, firefighting foam is designed to last as long as possible, remaining effective for up to 24 hours depending on wind and weather conditions. Additionally, foam is speedy and can coat a 3,000-square-foot home generally in less than an hour.

Installation and Logistics

These units are typically installed in a garage, pool house, or outbuilding near a consistent water source.

Water Requirements: The system ideally draws from a large source like a swimming pool or pond. If you do not have one, temporary water storage tanks can be installed on a patio or in a garage.
Automation: For those who may not be home during an emergency, rooftop discharge systems can be installed to apply the foam automatically.
Insurance: Investing in this technology may lead to lower insurance rates, particularly for those living in high-risk areas.

Implementing this type of professional-grade protection can be a vital step in safeguarding your property and your family. Protect yourself with safety tips like how to use a fire extinguisher and how to install a home fire sprinkler system.