Forestry
Dispelling Myths About Fire Suppression in the Logging Industry
Myth #1
The A:B:C powder packs in the extinguisher and prevents the system from working.
Truth
AFEX Systems use siliconized A:B:C dry chemical has superior flow characteristics yielding greater resistance to packing or caking. The special design of the extinguisher also allows for the gas to penetrate and fluidize the dry chemical before discharge regardless of whether the powder is packed. (see Actuation)
Myth #2
Automatic detection is prone to false alarm and false discharges.
Truth
The AFEX System uses a high-tech heat sensor manufactured to meet military specifications for the aerospace industry. This UL approved sensor has proven impact and vibration resistant in the harshest applications. When a fire occurs, sensors automatically detect and actuate the system. AFEX automatic systems provide 24 hour protection without any drain to the machine's battery.
Myth #3
Equipment mounted water tanks provide adequate protection.
Truth
Water tanks are simply ineffective against fires on today's timber harvesting equipment. Water, when used to fight hydraulic oil fueled fires, tends to spread the fire. Further, water cannot flood and penetrate a protected area like the dry chemical powder. Only a dry chemical fire suppression system will meet the industry's needs for dependable automatic fire protection.
Myth #4
Only water or water based agents can prevent fire reflashes.
Truth
Fires can reignite as long as the three elements for fire are present: air, heat and fuel. If these elements remain present after a system discharge, a fire can reflash. Reflashes normally occur under two conditions: 1. the fire is fueled by a failure in a hydraulic hose and the engine of the machine continues to run (therefore, allowing hydraulic pumps to dump more fuel on the ignition point); and, 2. the fire is a deep seeded debris fire in areas where trash can accumulate and these areas are not attended to immediately after the fire. Despite the effectiveness of water on class "A" fires, penetration deep into the source of a deep seeded fire is dependent upon the volume of water and local application. A:B:C dry chemical powder has superior knockdown characteristics to water and water based agents. Nevertheless, proper action must be taken during and immediately after a fire to remove ignition and fuel sources to prevent reflash.