What type of fire suppression system is typically found in Class III ARFF vehicles?

• A. Foam systems
• B. Dry chemical systems
• C. Water mist systems
• D. Carbon dioxide systems

Answer: (A)

Class III Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicles are specifically designed to combat aircraft fires and other emergencies associated with air travel. These vehicles typically employ foam systems as their primary method of fire suppression.

Foam systems are crucial in extinguishing fuel fires, as they create a barrier between the fuel and the air, effectively smothering the flames and preventing re-ignition. This is particularly important for aviation incidents, where the types of fuels used (such as aviation gasoline and jet fuel) can rapidly spread fires and present unique challenges for fire suppression.

In addition to the effectiveness of foam in dealing with flammable liquid fires, these systems can also cool the aircraft and surrounding environment, reducing the risk of flashover and providing a safer approach for firefighters when tackling the situation. Therefore, the prominence of foam suppression systems in Class III ARFF vehicles underscores their critical role in managing aviation-related fire emergencies effectively.