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New Firefighting Technology Helps Extinguish Rapidly Spreading Fire in New Jersey Home

Posted on: Monday, 3 November 2008, 12:00 CST

Less than forty-eight hours after learning to use a new handheld fire knockdown tool, the Pompton Lakes Fire Department deployed ARA Safety's FIT-5 device to effectively control and suppress a fire roaring through a Pompton Lakes home.

In the mid-morning hours of Oct. 29, Pompton Lakes Fire Chief Dean Cioppa arrived at the scene of a fully-involved, second-floor home fire, likely started by a child playing with matches in an upstairs room. As he evaluated the scene, his crew deployed its newest piece of equipment -- the FIT-5 -- through a second-floor window. In seconds, flames and temperature were dramatically reduced. With the additional support of his crew, the fight was over in less than ten minutes.

"I've been in the fire service for 21 years and have never seen a fire of that size, with that amount of flame, go out in such a short period of time. In less than ten minutes it was completely extinguished," said Chief Cioppa. "I believe without a doubt that the FIT-5 helped in the initial attack."

In addition to suppressing the fire, Chief Cioppa suggested the FIT-5 protected his crew from a potentially deadly situation. The home's thatched roof, a style known to collapse during fires, could have easily caved in had the fire progressed. With the deployment of the FIT-5, the roof remained intact and the entire first floor was found utterly clear of fire damage.

The FIT-5 used by Chief Cioppa's crew was one of three that had been donated by the Pompton Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Pompton Lakes Rotary Club. The organizations learned of previous area deployments and quickly resolved to outfit their own volunteer department to make the job of firefighting safer and reduce human and financial losses in the Pompton Lakes community.

"As news of the FIT-5 spreads from one community to another, more property is being saved from the damage of fire and water," said Michael Gardiner, director of marketing, ARA Safety. "Firefighters, especially those who dedicate themselves to serving as volunteers, are heroes in our communities, and we are proud to help make their very important jobs safer."

Supporting the Pompton Lakes Fire Department were crews from Riverdale and Wanaque, and Fire Company No. 3 from Wayne Township was on alert in the event of an additional alarm.

FirefighterOne, ARA Safety's New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania FIT-5 dealer, is playing a key role in equipping and training departments throughout the area.

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.

 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  

SOURCE: ARA Safety

Source: MARKET WIRE

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