More Air. More Time. | Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems

More Air. More Time.

A Boots-on-the-Ground Perspective on FARS

Overview of FARS

The Bottom Line on this Revolutionary Technology

Saves Lives in Large Building Fires

Optimizes Scarce Manpower Resources

Helps Protect from Toxic Exposures

Protects Building Owner Liability

Common Questions About FARS

Without FARS, fire departments incur significant costs to maintain the manpower and resources for bottle brigades to fight large building fires. This costly approach still leaves the system vulnerable to firefighters running out of air. Like other required building systems, FARS (Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems) are part of construction costs the building owners bear to address the potential of a large building fire proactively.

FARS costs include hardware, installation, and maintenance, influenced by local codes, labor wages, and building complexity. Jurisdictions can consult the Firefighter Air Coalition to understand code requirements.

The most recent report of the use of FARS in a working fire was in 2021 in Frisco, Texas. The FARS system performed perfectly, and, more importantly, there were no civilians or firefighters injured. Similar to other fire safety systems and equipment, in the airline and cruise ship industries, FARS will by design be needed infrequently. But when required, these safety systems help prevent the tragic loss of life.

While existing safety measures like sprinklers and fire detection systems help contain and mitigate fires, firefighters still have to perform salvage and overhaul. Extinguishment creates wet smoke, which poses many long-term risks. Exposure to any fire smoke increases firefighter risk of cancer, heart ailments, and respiratory diseases. According to the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), concentrations of asphyxiants and carcinogens exceeding regulatory exposure limits, and high levels of ultrafine particles were found in smoke during both suppression and overhaul phases.

FARS complements sprinklers by providing firefighters with a continued supply of breathable air into and throughout the late stages of the fire suppression process.

Every authorized FARS is monitored on a 24-7-365 basis for carbon monoxide, air pressure, and moisture levels. Testing and certification are typically performed on a quarterly basis. In an independent third-party study, FARS met NFPA compliance standards more often than non-FARS compressed breathing air samples.

FARS represents an advancement in safety technology that helps reduce budgetary strain on individual fire departments, especially those with small or volunteer crews. At the same time, it limits potential liability to building owners in the case of fire, the biggest safety risk to large commercial buildings. Like many other well-established safety systems, FARS represents an investment in the protection, health and safety of our firefighters and their communities.

Firefighters Rely on Air

How much is enough time when everything is on the line?

20min
The amount of time a standard air tank lasts
60-80%
Of line-of-duty deaths are related to smoke inhalation
173%
More firefighter deaths occur at commercial buildings
More Air More Time