Author: Mark Siem, Manager – Business Development/Chemist, Perimeter Solutions
Firefighters from across the country are in Indianapolis this week for FDIC International, connecting with colleagues, exploring the latest firefighting advancements, and searching for new resources that could give them a tactical advantage in the field. Perimeter Solutions, a global leader in the development of innovative fire retardant and firefighting foam concentrates, is at FDIC to announce SOLBERG SPARTAN™ 1% Fluorine-Free Class A/B Foam Concentrate, a world-leading technology designed to help firefighters more efficiently achieve total fire suppression on structure, wildland, vehicle, gasoline and dumpster fires.
Class A foam enhances water’s effectiveness in dousing flames. Water’s high surface tension causes it to bead up and roll off most fuels and away from heat too quickly to be able to absorb as much heat as possible. The hydrocarbon surfactants in Class A foam help to reduce water’s surface tension, allowing for the solution to penetrate the fuel. When a small amount of foam concentrate is added to water—as low as 0.1%—the size of the water droplets shrinks, creating more surface area, resulting in better heat absorption. This can increase water efficiency 2-4x.
Meanwhile, Class B firefighting foams used to combat flammable liquid fires form a blanket over the burning liquid, cutting off oxygen and preventing vapor release, which helps to suppress these types of fires more quickly and effectively.
One foam, 99% of fires – SOLBERG SPARTAN foam concentrate combines the power of Class A and Class B foams in a single solution.
Designed for rapid knockdowns, it reduces flashover risk and provides superior heat protection. Water alone takes nearly four minutes to cool a fire from 1,000°F to 212°F, while foam solutions like SOLBERG SPARTAN achieve the same cooling in less than half the time.1 By cutting the time needed to suppress a fire, SOLBERG SPARTAN helps minimize firefighter exposure and keeps crews ahead of fast-changing conditions. Additionally, this foam concentrate cuts water demand by 40%, allowing firefighters to maximize every drop and reducing strain on critical resources.
Compatible with conventional firefighting equipment, SOLBERG SPARTAN works seamlessly with inline eductors, self-inducting nozzles, low-expansion non-air aspirating and air aspirating nozzles, monitors, medium-expansion foam devices, and compressed air foam systems (CAFS). This ensures easy integration into existing firefighting operations without requiring specialized equipment.
SOLBERG SPARTAN is entering the market with three key certifications:
- UL 162/ULC S654 Listed – 1% for Class B Hydrocarbon Non-Water Miscible Fuel Fires
- UL/ULC Classified – 0.1% for Class A fires and 0.25% for Class B Non-Water Miscible Fires
- Class A Wetting Agent in accordance with ANSI/NFPA 18
This new foam technology is built for battle and engineered for victory. It not only delivers high performance but also aligns with the industry’s shift toward environmentally responsible fire suppression. With no intentionally added PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), SOLBERG SPARTAN represents the future of firefighting foam solutions by maximizing efficiency, conserving water, and minimizing property damage while supporting firefighter safety.
FDIC attendees can find out more about SOLBERG SPARTAN by visiting Perimeter Solutions at booth #1343 through April 12. If you’re not in Indianapolis, you can visit our new SOLBERG SPARTAN web page to learn how this advanced Class A/B firefighting foam can arm your crew with a battle-ready solution built for peak performance and tactical advantage: www.perimeter-solutions.com/en/product/solberg-spartan
1Colletti, David. “The Salem Tests.” Fire Engineering, February 1993. https://www.fireengineering.com/fire-safety/the-salem-tests/. Accessed 4 Mar 2025.
About the Author
Mark Siem is Business Development Manager at Perimeter Solutions. He has worked in Research & Development in the fire safety industry for 17 years. Mark started his career in a hands-on role as a Chemical Technician fighting fires and working in the lab, before advancing to lead Class B firefighting activities.
