What do compressed-air foam systems primarily target in fire suppression?

The primary target of compressed-air foam systems (CAFS) in fire suppression is the oxygen levels in the fire. CAFS works by creating a foam that blankets the burning material. This foam effectively smothers the fire, which reduces the amount of oxygen available to sustain combustion. By enveloping the flames and the surrounding surfaces, the foam disrupts the fire's ability to draw in oxygen, which is essential for combustion, thus helping to extinguish the fire more efficiently.

While other elements such as flame spread and excessive burning materials may play a role in fire dynamics, the core function of compressed-air foam systems is to create a barrier that limits oxygen access, making them particularly effective in various types of fire scenarios. This characteristic of CAFS enhances the overall firefighting strategy by not only extinguishing existing flames but also by minimizing the potential for re-ignition through its blanket of foam.