Deployment Stories

Fire Interruption Technology Saves New York Home From Total Loss

Milan, NY
February 2009

When first responders arrived on scene of a house fire in Milan, NY, they could already see flames billowing out of two bedroom windows.

Past Chief of the Milan Fire Department, Jeffrey Galm, deployed Ara's device through one of the blown out bedroom windows while crews geared up and stretched lines. "At first we were afraid the fire had too much of a head start for [Ara's device] to help, but because there were two vehicles in the driveway and occupants were originally unaccounted for, we deployed the [device] to aid in our occupant search," said Galm.

Fire Interruption Technology reduced the temperature and created a safer environment for search and rescue. "Had it not been for [Ara's device] the fire would have quickly spread and the entire home would have been engulfed in flames," said Galm.

It took the department and, and four other Mutual Aid departments only 25 minutes to overhaul the once raging fire. Fire damage was contained largely to the room of origin. It is expected that crews will be able to restore the home, due in large part to the use of Fire Interruption Technology.

This was the department's first use of their three Fire Interruption Technology devices, having only had them in service for two weeks. "After 18 months with no structure fires, I am glad to have had [Fire Interruption Technology] as a part of our arsenal in time for this fire," said Galm.

Crews arrived on scene to find flames billowing out two windows of a bedroom.

After Ara's device is deployed the flame subsides and the smoke changes from dirty grey to white, as the Fire Interruption Technology aerosol vents, taking much of the heat with it.

Fire Interruption Technology prevented the spread of flames and fire damage was largely contained to the room of origin.

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