The science behind fighting petroleum fires involves the use of foam instead of water, for good reason. Foam, according to Acting Fire Chief Tom Garrison, "will spread out and suppress the vapors coming off the petroleum tank." The foam coats the fuel. That cuts off its contact with oxygen, stopping the combustion. But water can actually make a fuel fire worse. "Water sinks to the bottom. If it's really hot it'll expand and make the problem much worse. It's very similar to putting water on a grease fire in a kitchen."

SPARKS — The city’s fire department on Monday unveiled a state-of-the-art foam delivery vehicle designed to fight petroleum fires and other fire events with combustible and hazardous components.

The City of Sparks recently acquired a state-of-the-art foam delivery vehicle that is designed to fight petroleum fires and other fire events with combustible and hazardous components.  For instance, the new fire fighting apparatus could be used to put out a fire from a tractor-trailer carrying petroleum, or could even be used to address an incident at Kinder Morgan Energy Partners’ terminal facility (fuel farm) in Sparks.

Compact and self-contained, the Turbo Stream produces high energy firefighting power with ease and precision. Driven by an exclusive PowerPro™ brand 13 HP gas engine, precise high pressure foam solution delivers rapid knockdown.