OG 4027 Fire Fighting Foam-Use Around Waterways

Issued By: CHIEF DIRECTOR    
Date of Issue: 2000/07/07

Forms Required:    
•    Vol # 894


PURPOSE: 

To establish guidelines regarding foam and the environment.

OBJECTIVE:

To ensure the most environmentally friendly foam is utilized and that such foam is used in an environmentally friendly manner. 

SCOPE: 

This operating guideline applies to all Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency.

PROCEDURE: 

1.    Due to the fact that some foam has a concentration level where it is toxic to aquatic life and that concentration level varies widely from one product to another no foam blanket should be laid within 100 feet of open water during a training evolution.

2.    In live fire suppression, discharge of foam solution into natural waters and storm drains should be avoided wherever possible.

3.    As supplies of foam concentrate are depleted, they should be replaced with the most environmentally friendly foam available. Halifax Regional Fire &Emergency has identified foams with low toxicity. Up-to-date information can be obtained from the Training Division.

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the procedure followed for using foam-use around waterways. 

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICIES:

Additional information can be found at:

•    N.F.P.A. 1145
•    National Wildfire Coordinating Group
•    Foam vs. US Fire (Class A foam for wildland fire) 
•    Foam Applications for Woodland and Urban fire management
•    Forest Protection Headquarters, Nova Scotia Natural Resources, Shubenacadie
•    N.F.P.A. Journal May/June 1995 • www.angusfire.co.uk