More Air, More Time
A Boots-on-the-Ground Perspective on FARS
Overview of FARS
The Bottom Line on this Revolutionary Technology
Optimizes Firefighter Air
Helps Prevent Toxic Exposures
Protects Building Owner Liability
Common Questions About FARS
Like other required building systems, the cost of FARS (Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems) are included in the building and construction costs. The savings is experienced in municipal budgets when fire departments are not required to hire additional personnel to staff high-rise and big box fires. Firefighter Air Systems (FARS) provide a continuous breathable air supply, eliminating the need to staff additional firefighters to shuttle air bottles below the fire floor.
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 be needed infrequently. But when required, these systems help firefighters prevent the tragedy of injuries and death.
Sprinklers start the water floor. Firefighters bring the air to continue the water spread and the firefight. In the position of Firefighter Air Safety, exposure to any fire smoke increases firefighter risk of cancer, debilitating illness and disease. 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.
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. Texas A&M Engineering Extension (TEEX) has used FARS for over 30 years, filling an estimated 3 Million bottles without incident.
The cost of FARS is absorbed in the building and construction costs. It’s savings is experienced by fire departments which can rely on the system for a continuous supply of air as opposed to hiring more personnel to be responsible for shuttling bottles up numerous flights of stairs to firefighters on the attack line.