Contact Information: For editorial information: Michael Gardiner ARA Safety mgardiner@arasafety.com (778) 836-2108 For editorial information: Lisa Stern GolinHarris lstern@golinharris.com (312) 729-4385
New Jersey Volunteer Fire Department Uses New Technology to Save Another Home From Perishing
Jefferson Township Fire Department Uses ARA Safety's FIT-5 to Prevent an Attic Fire From Spreading Through Home
| Source: ARA Safety
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP, NJ--(Marketwire - October 7, 2008) - On Oct 1, when Jefferson Township
firefighters arrived at a home with smoke billowing from the attached
garage and found the fire spreading into the attic, they knew it was only a
matter of minutes before the flames engulfed the main body of the home.
Firefighter Randy Davis quickly deployed a new handheld suppression device
called the FIT-5 (Fire Interruption Technology), which released an aerosol
that effectively neutralized the fuel feeding the fire. Within seconds, the
home's attic was clear of visible flames and the interior air temperature
was dramatically cooled.
"The fire in the attic was extremely hot and crackling," said Randy Davis,
a veteran firefighter with 34 years' experience in fire service.
Firefighter Davis admitted that there is always some doubt about using new
products, but after seeing the FIT-5 in action, he's a believer. The FIT-5
saved the homeowner from a tremendous amount of damage to the home.
Because the FIT-5 was deployed, firefighters used just 50 gallons of water
to fully extinguish the hot spots in the attic. Had the FIT-5 not been
deployed, the fire department estimates that thousands of gallons would
have been applied, resulting in significant secondary water damage.
This deployment was the second by the Jefferson Township Fire Department
and is one of nearly 20 deployments in North America since the device made
its debut in late 2007. Between 20 and 25 fire departments in New Jersey
are currently outfitted with the FIT-5.
As the number of volunteer firefighters dwindles, volunteer fire
departments like Jefferson Township are incorporating into their everyday
routines new firefighting techniques and products, including the FIT-5.
"The FIT-5 is designed to help firefighters protect property and reduce
water damage while making the very important work they do safer," said
Michael Gardiner, director of marketing, ARA Safety. "We are proud the
FIT-5 did its job quickly and effectively in a situation that could have
developed into a very dangerous home fire in Jefferson Township."
Fire Chief Andrew Schmidt of the Jefferson Township Fire Company #1 was in
command of this fire and actively supports the use of the FIT-5 among his
crew. This fire represents the second in which he led his team in
successfully deploying the device.
FirefighterOne, ARA Safety's exclusive New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania
FIT-5 distributor, is also part of a growing movement to outfit departments
throughout the U.S. with this technology.
About ARA Safety
ARA Safety is a world leader in innovative fire and life safety technology.
ARA Safety's revolutionary Fire Interruption Technology (FIT) fire knock
down tool is saving lives and reducing property loss in cities and towns
across North America.
ARA Safety's fire and life safety technologies also include the Zero
Combustion line of fire proof sprays, paints and coatings, and its world
leading line of Photoluminescent products. ARA Safety's technologies have
been used by NASA, the Pentagon, the United States Military and are
featured prominently on the Vancouver Shangri-La. ARA Safety Inc. is based
in Vancouver, Canada. To learn more about ARA Safety visit,
www.arasafety.com.