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Anyone out there have CAFS on their engine and do you use it regularly on structure and/or vehicle fires? What issues have you had as far as the firefighting abilities, tactics, operation, and maintenance?

We use CAFS and are required to use it for both initial attack and mop up...we're using the Pierce Hercules 12 system and contrary to popular belief, CAFS is not really difficult to learn,use or maintain. One problem I have personally noted does arise in gaining experience and familiarity with the system for both nozzlemen and engine operators. However, through PROPER training and on scene experience, those deficiencies can be overcome.

maybe i can help.  first thing i can tell you is do your research.  cafs will easily add 30 - 50 thousand dollars to the price tag of your new engine,  depending on manufacturer, size, and how the system is plumbed.  i have previously run at 2 different stations in the past ten years with 3 cafs engines.  if you are willng to train,  and train hard,  it will be money worth spent.  if you don't allow yourself the time to get used to it,  you will be wasting your money.  cafs is a tool to help you do the job, faster easier, and safer.....  nothing more.  it is not a cure all for everything.  another thing to keep in mind is this.... cafs will add approx. 12-18" on average, to your overall wheelbase.  this is due to the placement of the CAFS pump and plumbing.   cafs is proven to rapidly lower interior structure fire temps,  preserve evidence for arson investigation,  and is biologically safe.  however, it doesn't taste too good....lol.  compared to other water additives,  the foam agent itslef is cheaper.   i am currently chairman for my co's apparatus committee.  we are spec-ing a new pumper with cafs.  with a 2000 gpm pump, 750 water, 1000 gpm cafs pump, rescue style body,  we are looking into 400-550k in truck cost....no equipment.    a lot of people say cafs doesn't work, it's junk, etc....   chances are,  they are improperly trained,  or training.   they also tend to forget that water still puts out fires,  the foam just helps.   if you have the wrong concentration of foam/water,  you're wasting time and money.   the concentrations can also be changed for different applications.  3% for interior,  5% for mix,  and 7% for exposure protection.   you may have to change nozzles as well.  tft's will break down the molecular structure of the cafs stream and will not function properly.   some like smooth bore nozzles,  others don't.  most prefer to go to a combo nozzle.  akron saber-jet is an example.   cafs will also allow for lighter hose lines, thus reducing ff fatigue.   in order for cafs to be mastered,  i recommend it be used on everything,  unless told otherwise.   not only does it give you more opportunity to learn and use it,  you will also learn it's limitations.... which aren't many.   if you have any more questions,  please feel free to p.m. me.   i can refer you to some more info if you like.   i could go on all night and day, and week about cafs.

good luck