The Noida Fire Department is set to revolutionize its fire safety response by adopting Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) technology. This cutting-edge firefighting solution was demonstrated at the Uttar Pradesh Fire Safety Exhibition and Conference in Greater Noida and recently tested at the towering 74-storey Supertech Supernova in Sector 94. Capable of dousing fires in buildings as tall as 100 storeys, CAFS is a game-changer for highrise firefighting challenges.
Technology Tested at Noida’s Tallest Tower
Supertech Supernova, standing at 307 meters, is almost four times taller than the current reach of the city’s fire hoses, which can only extend up to 80 meters. During a successful trial run last month, the fire department was able to reach the uppermost floors using CAFS with ease. This test cemented the department’s decision to proceed with procurement.
Fire Chief Confirms Upcoming Equipment Purchase
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Pradeep Chaubey stated that the department is in the final stages of acquiring the CAFS units along with compatible fire tenders. The combined cost of the system and tender is approximately ₹3 crore. “Our hoses can reach only up to the 40th floor, but water pressure drops significantly with height,” Chaubey said. “By the time the water reaches the nozzle, it loses its force, making firefighting at higher altitudes ineffective and time-consuming.”
Why CAFS is the Future of Urban Firefighting
The CAFS system uses compressed air to produce high-pressure foam, which can maintain consistent pressure even at extreme altitudes. This foam is highly effective in firefighting, particularly in enclosed or highrise spaces, as it blankets the fire, cutting off the oxygen supply and extinguishing flames rapidly. Foam is also lighter than water and causes minimal water damage, making it safer for environments with occupants still inside.
How the CAFS System Works
Integrated into a fire tender, the system uses stored water mixed with compressed air to produce foam. The foam is then pumped at high speed through a hose and directed toward the fire. Its ability to cling and spread over surfaces makes it significantly more efficient than water alone in many fire scenarios. This innovation marks a major step forward in firefighting for vertical cities like Noida.
Noida’s Vertical Expansion Demands Modernization
With Noida having the highest number of highrise residential societies in Uttar Pradesh, modernizing firefighting infrastructure is essential. Most towers range between 50m and 100m in height, and as builders continue to aim higher, emergency services must adapt. CAFS not only addresses existing challenges but also prepares the city for its future skyline.
Other Innovations Showcased at the Fire Safety Expo
Beyond CAFS, the fire safety exhibition also introduced several advanced firefighting products. One such highlight was a specially designed fire-resistant suit capable of withstanding temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Celsius. Made from fiberglass fabric, this suit allows firefighters to operate in extreme heat and engage in rescue missions directly within the fire zones.
Advanced Helmets Enhance Firefighter Safety
The expo also featured lightweight, battery-powered air-purifying helmets for firefighters. Unlike traditional breathing apparatuses that require heavy oxygen cylinders, these helmets are compact (weighing just 1.5 kg), rechargeable, and ideal for use in both high-heat and chemical leak scenarios. These new helmets are designed to increase firefighter mobility and effectiveness during rescue operations.
UP Government’s Commitment to Fire Safety
Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Rakesh Sachan, inaugurated the two-day event. He emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance industrial and residential fire safety. “We are setting up disaster management units in every district and using e-portals to spread fire safety awareness among MSME workers,” Sachan noted. Regular equipment checks, safety compliance enforcement, and training are also top priorities for the state government.
