Malibu, CA – “Just stop for one second,” she said, “we just have to stop and take a look. This is why we live here. You have to take the time to enjoy the beauty.” We all turned to look at the beautiful sunset off the coast of Malibu. Breathtaking! As we paused for a minute to look, I realized that people live here because they really do love it, not because it’s a rich-man’s club. This gave me confidence that we were in the right place at the right time to be of service to those in need.
As we returned to the subject of the meeting, installing a FOAMSAFE™ FireMaster Series System to protect this family’s home and property from fire, it all meant more to me. Not only do these people in Malibu have beautiful homes and property, but also their hearts match the beauty, and they deserve to have some help. People have stereotyped them as having it all, however, their homes burn to the ground, just like anyone else. As I looked across PCH, I could see where the fire had come over the hills and threatened properties, including the one where we were standing. These folks weren’t even in the country when the fires began.
Beginnings
Ralph and I began our journey to develop the FOAMSAFE Fire Protection System out of our love for firefighting. Having over thirty years experience between us, we left the industry to raise our family. Fighting wildfires takes a person away from everything for weeks at a time, typically with no warning or time to plan. The dedication of the wildland firefighter is great and giving up a “normal life” to chase fires takes a unique individual. The experience is unmatched by many professions. So, when we hung up our boots, it was a difficult decision and the only thing that kept us from going back was our ability to channel our passion for firefighting into the unending desire to do something bigger, solve a problem, continue to lead, and give the same kind of energy to our new endeavor as we gave fighting fires.
Thus, the birth of the FOAMSAFE Fire Protection System. A fully automatic, selfcontained fire protection system that disperses a fire fighting foam over structures and surrounding vegetation to protect them from an approaching wildfire. Its fire detectors scan the horizon for fire 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, looking for fire up to one-half mile away. When a fire is detected, the system automatically activates spraying the property with foam in a sequential operation. Once the sequence has completed, the fire detectors take a pre-programmed time-out, and then return to scanning for fire. The system reapplies foam every few hours, until the fire is no longer a threat. Optional upgrades for the system include remote control and Internet capabilities that allow the owner to monitor and control the system from anywhere the Internet is available. Consumer Fire Products, Inc., developer of the FOAMSAFE products can also monitor the system for the customer from its office for a monthly fee.
Products
Two types of FOAMSAFE Systems have been developed and sold in the marketplace. The FOAMSAFE FireMaster™ Series System and the FOAMSAFE Mobile™ System. Each has its unique place in the fire protection industry, offering solutions to both the private and public sectors.
The FireMaster Series was developed with homeowners in mind, although there are many different property owners in fire threatened areas that can benefit from the system. This patent pending system has internal technical sophistication with computerized components of the 21st century, which works seamlessly with the already established CAFS (compressed air foam system) technology. This brings the best of both worlds together to stop the endless destruction of properties due to wildfire.
Working 365 days a year, the FireMaster Series System has the ability to safeguard a property whether the owner is present or not. In the case of our client in Malibu, the system would have activated and sprayed their home with foam once the fire came over the mountains, leaving them with peace of mind while away. The system would have automatically called, letting them know the system is working. A quick summary of a standard system:
• Self-contained, using its own water and power
• Scans around the clock, automatically detecting fires occurring up to one-half mile away
• Utilizes proven CAFS technology, dispersing an EPA-rated safe, biodegradable foam to cover structures and property, requiring no clean-up
• Optionally: Calls up to four preprogrammed phone numbers upon activation, Activate using remote control from up to five miles away, Operate and monitor from anywhere the Internet is available.
The FireMaster Series comes in a premier package with all the bells and whistles, as noted above, or is also available in portable and manual versions. The system can be custom fit for any size property, small or large.
Aimed at fire agencies, The FOAMSAFE Mobile System offers the same options and technology as the FireMaster Series System, only in a trailer package. Developed with the firefighter in mind and striving to minimize injury and fatalities where firefighters are concerned, the Mobile System can be deployed in as little as fifteen minutes to quickly protect multiple homes from wildfire. Perfect for use in neighborhoods where homes are threatened or on a large property where multiple areas need protection. Just drive to the location, set up, and leave, controlling and monitoring the Mobile System from a distance. The system actives when a fire approaches via automatic fire detector, remote control (up to five miles away), or via computer anywhere the Internet is available. The Mobile System comes with ladders, portatank, fire gear and other equipment necessary to setup in a fire threatened area.
Specific set up includes, connecting fire hose to valves on the Mobile system and routing hose, piping, and emitters to each structure or area to be foamed. On-site, user friendly, computer controls let the user decide which area is covered and for how long. Once set up, the operator can leave the area and still monitor and control the system using wireless technology. The computer will show the water level, the foam concentrate level, battery levels, and other critical information about how the system is operating. Once the fire threat has passed, break down the system, load up, and move to the next threatened area. CFPI has a product line to meet the needs of all levels of exterior property fire protection. From portable and skid units, to fire alert systems, to systems that can help protect multiple acres of structures and vegetation. They carry equipment for use on both the fire line and private property. Manual and automatic systems are available, along with remote control and Internet capabilities. In addition, CFPI carries all accessories needed from shovels to fire hose and por-ta-tanks to fire gear, for both the professional and private user. Their goal is to be the premier resource for Wildland Urban Interface fire protection needs for both the private homeowner and fire agencies alike.
The Company
FOAMSAFE Fire Protection Systems are built and distributed by Consumer Fire Products, Inc. (CFPI). CFPI’s working partnerships with world renowned Siemens Energy and Automation and Tyco International ensures reliable technology and products for our customers. CFPI has been highly recognized by both USC (University of Southern California) and CCC (Chemeketa College, OR) for their advancements in fire technology and bringing FOAMSAFE products to market.
The mission of CFPI is to save homes and property from burning in wildfire by offering reliable products with great customer service and support, helping communities to protect their citizens. Currently members of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Code Council (ICC), International Fire Marshall Association (IFMA), and other organizations on both local and international levels, CFPI is a leader in the fight against the destruction of homes by wildfire, helping people to protect their property, and reduce the load on firefighters.
CFPI offers a standard free consultation, which includes a fire analysis telling the customer what they are doing correct to help protect their property, where they can improve their fire protection, and what CFPI can offer to increase their level of fire protection, using environmentally safe, biodegradable Class A foam products. CFPI currently has locations in California, Nevada, and Oregon. Contact CFPI at 1-866- 901-CFPI (2374) or visit the website at: http://www.consumerfireproducts.com.
