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


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.

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