What type of fire suppression agents are commonly used by ARFF?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and dry chemical agents are widely recognized as effective fire suppression agents used by Airport Rescue Fire Fighters (ARFF). AFFF is particularly advantageous in extinguishing flammable liquid fires, such as those that may occur with aviation fuels. The foam creates a barrier between the fuel and the air, effectively smothering the fire while also cooling the fuel surface, which is crucial in preventing re-ignition.

Dry chemical agents are also vital in ARFF operations as they are versatile and can effectively extinguish a variety of fire types. These agents work by interrupting the chemical reactions in the fire, thereby bringing about rapid fire knockdown. Their efficacy in high-stress environments like airports makes them a staple in ARFF training and operations.

Other options listed, while related to fire suppression, do not reflect the primary focus of ARFF practices. For example, while water and sand can be useful in some situations, they are not the primary agents employed in specialized aircraft fire scenarios. Compressed air foam systems may also be utilized but are not as universally adopted as AFFF and dry chemical agents. In contrast, halon agents, though once popular for their effectiveness in certain fire types, have been largely phased