What is the primary extinguishing agent used in ARFF operations?

In Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) operations, the primary extinguishing agent is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). This specific type of foam is particularly effective in combating flammable liquid fires, which are common in aviation incidents. AFFF works by creating a thin film that suppresses the flammable vapors and smothers the fire, thereby cooling the surface and preventing re-ignition.

AFFF is engineered to be used on hydrocarbons, such as those found in aviation fuels, making it an ideal choice for ARFF situations. The foam's ability to blanket the fire not only stifles oxygen but also reduces the temperature of the burning material, allowing for a safer and more effective firefighting response.

While water is a common extinguishing agent, it is less effective for flammable liquid fires since it can spread the fire instead of smothering it. Dust control agents and dry chemical agents also serve their purpose, but they are generally not as effective or suitable as AFFF for the specific scenarios encountered in airport firefighting, which usually involves high-intensity, fast-burning fuel fires in a challenging environment.