Esteri Group explains how its CAFS 2500’s advanced foam delivery system reduces water consumption and improves fire suppression

Firefighting is evolving. As new challenges arise, so too does the need for innovative, efficient, and adaptable tools.

Esteri CAFS 2500, the latest innovation from Esteri Group, marks a significant advancement in firefighting technology.

This system combines the proven reliability of Esteri® fire pumps with the modern efficiency of a compressed air foam system (CAFS). Designed with precision and versatility, the Esteri CAFS 2500 is engineered to meet and exceed the demands of contemporary fire services – a highlight of Intersec 2025.

Compressed air foam systems (CAFS) is a paradigm shift in fire suppression and has transformed modern firefighting strategies. By combining water, foam concentrate, and compressed air, these systems create foam that adheres to surfaces, cools faster, and suppresses fires more effectively than traditional water-based suppression methods.

The CAFS system utilises compressed air produced by a compressor, allowing the foam to be generated within the system itself—essentially, the foam is created directly at the fire truck’s pump. This method ensures the production of efficient and consistent fire suppression foam.

The Esteri CAFS 2500 takes this proven concept to new heights, introducing advanced engineering to ensure superior performance. By using significantly less water and foam concentrate, it enhances operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Esteri CAFS 2500 delivers adjustable foam ratios ranging from wet foam (1:3) to dry foam (1:10). It delivers unparalleled flexibility across various fire types, including structural, industrial, and wildfires. The result? Faster extinguishment, reduced water consumption, and superior environmental performance.

This efficiency also makes it an exeptional operational advantage in regions where water resources may be limited.

Advanced features

Esteri CAFS 2500 introduces a range of highly developed features that excel in rescue operations while providing users with ease of use.

High foam delivery and efficiency

Delivering up to 2500 litres per minute, the Esteri CAFS 2500 is designed to suppress even the largest fires rapidly. Its powerful 18.5 kW compressor generates 2800 litres of compressed air per minute, ensuring consistent foam production. This level of performance translates to faster knockdowns, reduced water damage, and improved firefighter safety.

Precision engineering for adjustable foam ratios

The ability to adjust foam ratios allows fire services to tailor suppression strategies based on fire behaviour and environmental conditions. Wet foam ratios are ideal for immediate knockdown, while dry foam is optimal for creating barriers to contain fires.

Ease of use in high-stress environments

The Esteri CAFS 2500 is designed with user convenience at its core. Its control panel, available as a touchscreen or with physical buttons, simplifies operation by allowing firefighters to adjust foam output, pressure settings, and other parameters with ease. This intuitive interface ensures optimal performance and reliability, even in the most high-pressure scenarios, catering to diverse user preferences and operational demands.

Compact and space-saving design

One of the Esteri CAFS 2500’s standout features is its integrated design. By combining the pump and CAFS into a single unit, it optimises space, making it ideal for firefighting vehicles. Despite its compact footprint, the system is robust, durable, and easy to maintain.

Durability and reliability

The system’s IP-65-rated control panel protects against water and dust, ensuring reliability in rugged firefighting conditions. Built on Esteri’s trusted fire pump technology, the CAFS 2500 is designed for durability under extreme conditions.

Environmentally friendly and cost-effective

The Esteri CAFS 2500 significantly reduces water and foam concentrate usage. Its eco-friendly design minimises the environmental impact of firefighting operations while lowering costs associated with water transport and foam usage. For instance, the fluorine-free Class A foam mixture requires only a 0.3% concentration, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Applications across firefighting scenarios

While water has been the traditional agent for fire suppression, it is not always effective—especially for oil fires, where its use can be hazardous. Fire suppression with foam is not a new concept. In 1902, Russian engineer Aleksandr Loran revolutionised fire suppression by inventing (patented in 1924) firefighting foam, initially used to combat persistent oil fires. Since then, foam has been a vital tool in scenarios where water alone is insufficient.

The Esteri CAFS 2500 builds on this legacy with applications in:

• Structural Fires: Wet foam extinguishes flames rapidly, while dry foam prevents reignition by creating barriers.
• Industrial Fires: The system’s high foam delivery and strong adhesion are particularly effective in industrial settings, where rapid suppression can prevent catastrophic damage.
• Wildfires: As wildfires increase globally, CAFS offers a critical solution. Dry foam blankets vegetation to prevent fire spread, using minimal water.

Different and demanding fire scenarios require a lot from firefighting equipment. The mobility of CAFS foam within hoses enables operations over extensive ranges. With foam output of approximately 2100–2300 l/min through a 75mm attack line, the horizontal reach is around 500 meters, maintaining foam efficiency and quality.

Vertically, the system achieves a reach of approximately 80 meters. Additionally, it can be configured for high-rise operations, further enhancing its utility.

Sustainability in firefighting

Modern firefighting goes beyond performance—it demands sustainability. The Esteri CAFS 2500 addresses this with:

• Optimised water usage: Reduced water consumption lowers the strain on resources and minimises runoff of contaminated water.
• Minimal foam concentrate consumption: Fluorine-free foams, used at a mixture rate as low as 0.3%, are both efficient and safer for the environment.
• Energy efficiency: The system’s compressor is designed for minimal energy consumption, aligning with global sustainability goals.

While foam-based suppression has its challenges, including environmental concerns, its unparalleled effectiveness ensures its continued relevance. Foam manufacturers are dedicated to developing cleaner solutions, ensuring CAFS remains a vital tool in firefighting; There are scenarios where foam-based firefighting remains indispensable.

Design philosophy and maintenance

The Esteri CAFS 2500 is built around the Esteri® fire pump, resulting in a compact, space-saving solution. Key components, including the compressor, foam pump, mixing pipe, and control unit, are designed for durability and straightforward maintenance. This ensures minimal downtime and maximised operational readiness. All CAFS components can also be installed separately into the vehicle’s piping system.

The system’s clean, intuitive design reflects its purpose. Streamlined yet rugged, it symbolises efficiency and resilience, making it a reliable partner in demanding firefighting scenarios. As a visually striking piece of technology, the Esteri CAFS 2500 also underscores Esteri Group’s commitment to quality and innovation.

A legacy of innovation

The Finnish company Esteri Group has been at the forefront of fire equipment innovation since 1968. It is renowned for its reliable, high-quality products and innovative solutions, trusted by firefighters worldwide. At the heart of the company are products designed and manufactured in-house, including fire pumps, water monitors, and hose maintenance systems.

Last year at Intersec, Esteri Group introduced the Hosemaster system, revolutionising hose maintenance. This year, the Esteri CAFS 2500 takes centre stage, alongside the advanced TR 75 SHC water monitor—a compact, reliable tool designed to minimise turbulence and maximise performance.

Esteri Group continues to set new standards in the firefighting industry, combining reliability, innovation, quality, and firefighter safety – not forgetting sustainability. Visit us at our partner Darley’s booth during Intersec 2025 to experience these groundbreaking solutions firsthand. The Esteri CAFS 2500 represents a leap forward in firefighting technology. By combining superior performance, adaptability, and environmental efficiency, it addresses the evolving needs of fire services worldwide.

As fire scenarios become increasingly complex, the Esteri CAFS 2500 stands ready to deliver solutions that protect lives, property, and the environment.

This article was originally published in the January 2025 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal – to read your FREE digital copy, click here.