The firefighters of Tangipahoa Parish Fire District #1 have been practicing in a series of training practices which include both practice in classroom as well as hands-on out-door training. Firefighters today are required to work and train using different methods. The firefighting field has become more complex.

Among those training exercises were the use of foam as a fire suppressor. Firefighters generally use foam for chemical fires. The foam extinguishes the fire by cooling the area and coating the chemical, not allowing oxygen in. There are two different types of foams firefighters use. Class A was developed in the mid 80's and is commonly used for fighting wildfires. This foam is used to lower the surface tension of the water which helps with the saturation of fuels. This commonly prevents re-ignition of the fire.

Class B foams have been designed for flammable liquids such as acetone, biodiesel, diesel, ethanol, gasoline, and even vegetable oil. There are two major subtypes of Class B foam, synthetic and protein foams. Ordinarily synthetic foams provide better flow and faster knockdown of flames. Protein foams are bio-degradable, but they flow and spread slower, often dispensing a durable blanket that is heat resistant.

TPFD#1 firefighters apply foam in three basic techniques. The foam cannot be directly sprayed into a fire; it must be sprayed over, at the bottom (or direct base) or in a rain down method. These three methods are used because they have been know to suppress the fire more quickly and efficiently.

TPFD#1 will have many more training sessions in the future to better protect the citizens of this district.