Fire Engines Photos

Most German fire services, especially full time brigades in major cities, now include CAFS as an integral component of their pumpers. It was first introduced in the nineties and has exploded in popularity since, with system capacity and ease of use increasing with each generation of pumpers. By now CAFS is the “go to” first attack line for most fire incidents, delivered through a 38 or 52 mm pre-connected lightweight attack hose line. In practice, this single hose is often the only one needed to handle the great majority of fires.

The advantages are numerous. Knock down and extinguishment take around 25% to 50% of the time needed for an equivalent water line, and the hoses are much more manageable because the foam weighs about half as much. There is also less water damage and hazardous runoff. At the same time, the attack team in an inside structure fire have less exposure to heat and smoke conditions, as they are spending far less time under these conditions before knock down is completed.

The 1200 liter water tank provides a three minute flow with the standard CAFS branch at maximum output, which is usually more than enough time for full extinguishing, although the SOP is still for the driver to set into a hydrant too. The foam also provides a blanket effect which helps to identify remaining hotspots shen it is time for overhaul.

Added by Rob Johnson on 02 May 2026.

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