Deployment Stories

Fire Interruption Technology Knocks Down NY Bedroom Fire and Keeps Firefighters Safe

Franklinville, NY
April 2010

First on scene of a fully involved bedroom fire in Franklinville, NY, Fire Chief Dale Carlson of Lyndon Volunteer Fire Company, used his Ara Safety Pro Fire Interruption Technology tool to knock down flames, buy time, and create a safer environment for his crew.

With heavy smoke coming out the eaves of the home, a window cracked due to high heat, and water at least 10 minutes away, Chief Carlson made the decision to deploy the Ara Pro device in order to knock down the fire and buy time. He threw the device through the front door, keeping it shut until charged hand-lines were in place.

Post deployment, the only hot spots left appeared to be a smoldering mattress, couch and chair. Fire Interruption Technology kept the fire knocked down and bought 12 minutes until hand-lines were in place.

Upon investigation, crews discovered a completely burnt out bedroom and partially burnt adjoining room. Heat throughout the home was high enough to melt all plastic material, yet not sufficient to ignite paper and wood. “We found three 20 pound propane cylinders which could have made a bad day much, much worse”, said Chief Carlson. “I’m convinced that just a few more minutes delay would have resulted in massive ignition of nearly all interior combustible materials.”

The quick knock down of fire by the Ara Pro device and the fast response by Lyndon firefighters, helped reduce property damage by approximately $36,000. The department used approximately 1000 gallons of water to overhaul remaining hot spots, compared to 6000 gallons of water that would have been required had the Ara Pro not been available.

Lyndon is a small rural community of 610. With mutual aid response 8 to 10 miles away and only about a dozen active and trained personnel, Chief Carlson equipped the vehicles of the department’s four officers with Fire Interruption Technology to assist in initial attack.

“Without the [Ara Pro] device, I can easily imagine this fire endangering responders and losing the entire structure,” said Chief Carlson. “The personnel safety factor alone makes the device well worth the expense.”

1st On Scene Fire & Emergency Services is the local Ara Authorized Dealer who supplied the Ara Safety Pro devices to Chief Carlson and his department.

The fire that originated in one bedroom was contained to the room of origin with some spread to the adjoining room.

The window to the bedroom where the fire originated cracked due to high heat. Damage to the home was reduced by approximately $36,000 thanks in part to Ara Safety’s Fire Interruption Technology.

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