Florida Fire State Practice Exam

Which type of Class B foam is recommended for use on a car fire?

1. Alcohol-resistant foam

2. AFFF

3. Protein foam

4. Film-forming foam

The correct answer is: AFFF

AFFF, or Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, is specifically designed for use on flammable liquids, making it the ideal choice for extinguishing car fires. When deployed, AFFF creates a thin film that blankets the surface of the burning liquid, effectively suppressing the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing the release of flammable vapors. This property is particularly beneficial in quickly controlling vehicle fires, which often involve gasoline or other volatile fuels. In contrast, while other foams might have their applications, they do not offer the same level of effectiveness for vehicle fires. For instance, alcohol-resistant foam is optimized for use on polar solvents rather than hydrocarbons predominantly involved in car fires. Protein foam and film-forming foam, although useful in specific scenarios, may not provide the same immediate, efficient coverage as AFFF does in a dynamic and complex fire environment like that of a burning vehicle. Thus, AFFF is the recommended choice for tackling car fires due to its rapid extinguishing capabilities and effectiveness against the types of fuels typically found in such incidents.