Which synthetic foam is widely used by municipal and airport fire departments?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is widely used by municipal and airport fire departments due to its effectiveness in combating flammable liquid fires, such as those involving jet fuel. AFFF has properties that allow it to create a film on the surface of the liquid, which helps to suppress vapors and prevent ignition. This film-forming ability makes AFFF particularly useful in high-risk environments, such as airports, where large quantities of flammable liquids are present.

Moreover, AFFF can quickly spread over the surface of the burning liquid, providing rapid coverage and fire suppression, which is crucial for emergency responses in these scenarios. The formulation of AFFF includes fluorinated surfactants, which contribute to its unique ability to form a cohesive, stable film that enhances fire suppression capabilities compared to other foam types.

In contrast, while options such as alcohol-resistant foam and protein foam have their particular applications, they do not possess the same versatility and effectiveness against liquid fire hazards as AFFF in municipal and aviation environments. Therefore, AFFF stands out as the foam of choice for these departments to ensure maximum safety and efficiency in fire suppression efforts.