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NYU FARS Report

We examined the NFPA Foundation's extensive research study on firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS), conducted by the Fire Research Group at New York University. Below are some significant excerpts and research data from their findings.

DISCLAIMER: This report was published in 2021.  Certain information may be out of date.  

We reviewed the NFPA Foundation's comprehensive research study on firefighter air replenishment systems (FARS), which was written by researchers at New York University's Fire Research Group. Here are some key excerpts and research data from their report.

NOTE: The report states that FARS have not been used in a working fire. Since the publication of the report, a FARS was deployed in a working fire on the 12th floor of a luxury high-rise apartment building in Frisco, TX. A total of 19 units and 43 personnel were used to extinguish the blaze. The FARS system performed perfectly, and, more importantly, there were no civilians or firefighters injured.

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From the Report Summary

FARS is the Obvious Solution to Bottle-Brigading

"The two crucial elements necessary for firefighters to fight any fire are water and air. While water standpipes are readily accessible to firefighters in high-rises, allowing them to have a reliable immediate water source, the same is not true for air. Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) are essentially standpipes for air. Without FARS, in the event of the high-rise fire, firefighters would have to rely on the limited number of air bottles in the fire-equipment / cache room, if available, or manually haul the air-bottles to the staging area (also called 'bottle-brigading') which can consume a significant amount of time, manpower, and other resources."

Fire Departments Overwhelmingly See the Value of FARS

  • More than 77% of all respondents said they would like to use FARS in real fires, or may deploy FARS in the field.
  • That number climbed to 80% in jurisdictions that include more than the average number of high-rise buildings.
  • 10% According to the report, "This highlights the need for urban fire departments with a higher concentration of high-rise structures for a solution that may avoid or facilitate the 'bottle-brigading' operation." to lives saved by supplying air in an IDLH environment as the most compelling benefit.

Fire Departments See Numerous Benefits to FARS.

  • 61% of respondents cited air supply in close proximity to the fire location as the primary benefit of FARS.
  • 10.5% identified more efficient use of staff by avoiding fatigue and the time involved in bottle-brigading as the primary benefit.
  • 10% pointed to lives saved by supplying air in an IDLH environment as the most compelling benefit.
  • 18.5% cited other benefits.

Fire Departments Accept Testing and Maintenance Protocols

  • 73% of respondents said they were comfortable with the testing and maintenance of FARS performed by a certified third party and coordinated by the building owner or may accept these procedures.

The Fireground, Our Mission and You

Firefighter Air:  The Fireground, Our Mission and You - the FDIC 2024 supplement this year. Please take moment to download your copy to explore new science and research, new breathing techniques and training opportunities for air management, tactical operations for high rise and much more.  Please share this information with your department.

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Who We Are

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Our mission

The Firefighter Air Coalition is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to advancing firefighter safety through education and training on air management best practices. We promote new air management technologies that enhance firefighter safety and advocate for the implementation of codes requiring these innovative solutions.

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Our Vision

Our vision is for all firefighters to have the tools and expertise they need to operate safely and effectively, protecting themselves and the communities they serve.

Our Mission Stands on Four Pillars

Firefighter Air Management

The air on your back is what enables you to do your work and survive. And like every other resource on the fireground, that air needs to be deliberately planned, practiced and managed.

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Advocating for Innovations in Air Management Technology Integration

We follow the development of air management technologies and advocate for integration into firefighting best practices. These technologies include portable breathing air, gas detection, fireground and training tools, PPE and more.

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It's a simple equation

Smoke is a killer. Understanding the enemy is crucial to reduce the chance of illness, disease and death.

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Fire science studies the causes and effects of fire,  fire management, fire behavior, and firefighter health and safety. We will bring you the latest science and research related to firefighter health and safety.

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Fire Service

The Firefighter Air Coalition (FAC) focuses on the need for smart, responsible air management. It’s our passion and our privilege to advance firefighter safety through continued education and training programs and the advancement of important life-saving air supply technology.

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Code Compliance Professionals

The Firefighter Air Coalition advocates for codes requiring proven technologies that improve air management in the fire service and help reduce cancer risk. We support the efforts of code compliance professionals in their code review, adoption, and implementation process.

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Municipal & Legislative Representatives

Codes requiring Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS) are a growing trend nationwide as cities look to keeping pace with infrastructure development, fire department manpower, reduce risk, and maintain the highest level of public safety.

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FARS Installation & Maintenance Contractors

A Firefighter Air Replenishment System (FARS) is a building installed standpipe system and distribution systems that delivers breathing air to firefighters inside large structures.

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Building Owners

As with most building-installed fire safety systems, the cost of FARS and the on-going testing, certification and maintenance of the system is borne by the builder and the building owner.

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Our Leadership

Our Board of Directors is comprised of leaders from the fire service and industry. Each brings a unique set of skills and experience to our organization.

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Mike Gagliano

Firefighter Air Coalition President

Rodger Reiswig

Bill Dickson

David Rhodes

Ronald J. Siarnicki

Trish Garges

Mike Gagliano

Firefighter Air Coalition President
Captain Mike Gagliano has more than 33 years of fire/crash/rescue experience with the Seattle Fire Department and the United States Air Force. He began his career in 1986 with the United States Air Force, and then joined the Seattle Fire Department in 1990.
Captain Gagliano has written numerous fire service articles, is co-author of the bestselling book Air Management for the Fire Service and the SCBA chapter of the Handbook for Firefighter 1 & 2. He is a member of the Fire Engineering/FDIC Advisory Board, was the 2008 FDIC Keynote Speaker and teaches across the country on Air Management, Fireground Tactics, Leadership and Company Officer Development.
He also co-hosts the popular Fire Engineering radio webcast “The Mikey G and Mikey D Show” and partners with Anne Gagliano, his wife and noted industry speaker, to teach strategies for developing and maintaining a strong marriage/family. Together, they are co-authors of, Challenges of the Firefighter Marriage.

Rodger Reiswig

Rodger Reiswig is a Fellow with Johnson Controls and serves as VP, Industry Relations. With over 37 years in the fire protection industry including training, product support, application design, sales, and management experience. Rodger currently serves on numerous NFPA Technical Committees. Rodger serves as a board member for the Center for Campus Fire Safety. He is the Immediate Past Chair of NEMA’s Life Safety Signaling Section and serves as Vice-Chair on NEMA’s Plenary Codes and Standards Committee. Rodger serves as Chair of the Electronic Security Association’s Codes and Standards Committee. Rodger Co-Chairs the USA delegation for ISO TC21 for Fire Alarm Systems and IEC TC 79 Security Systems and Components Committees. Rodger holds a NICET level IV Fire Alarm Systems Certification, NICET level II Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems and NICET level I Special Hazards Layout Certification. Rodger holds certifications from Two Rivers Technologies as a Master in Telecommunications and from Eastern Technical holds a certification in Electronics Technology and Microprocessor Design. Additionally, Rodger holds both a Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Theology from Evangelical Theological Seminary.

Bill Dickson

Bill Dickson is a 30-year veteran of the high-pressure breathing air industry, currently serving as Vice President of Sales for Bauer Compressors, Inc. (BCI). Combined with his fire industry background, he has more than 40 years of experience in BCI's core market. Bill's innovative thinking has helped generate interest in Bauer's line of high-pressure breathing air products. He is the task group chair for the high-pressure breathing air team on the NFPA-1989 standards committees and participates as a voting member on other standards committees. As a certified open water diver, he holds an advanced open certification. He also likes to mountain bike, kayak, and work out in his rowing shell or on his road bike. He holds a degree in Business with emphasis on Marketing.

David Rhodes

As Editor-in-Chief for Fire & Rescue Media, David Rhodes is helping to shape the national conversation on topics important to the fire service -- from innovation to training to safety and more. He leads the editorial direction of Fire Engineering, Fire Apparatus, Firefighter Nation, and the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS). David is known for his keen eye for talent, amplifying new voices while maintaining partnerships with long-established subject matter experts from the fire service and industry. David also serves as the educational director for FDIC International. His 37-year career includes 17 years spent as battalion chief with the Atlanta (GA) Fire Department. He is a Chief Elder for the Georgia Smoke Diver Program, served as an incident commander for the Georgia Emergency Management Agency – Type III All Hazards Incident Management Team, and was a task force leader for the Georgia Search and Rescue Team. David also served on the FDIC Educational Advisory Board, was a Hands-on-Training coordinator for the FDIC conference, an editorial advisor and author for Fire Engineering and Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment, a columnist for Fire Rescue, an adjunct instructor at the Georgia Fire Academy, and an Advisory Board Member Emeritus for Underwriters Laboratories Firefighter Safety Research Institute.

Ronald J. Siarnicki

Ronald J. Siarnicki is a true visionary and a tireless advocate for firefighter health and safety. His 50-year career includes his service as executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) from 2001 until 2023. In addition to managing the National Memorial Services, construction of the National Memorial Park, and the renovation of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel in Emmitsburg, MD, Ron was the driving force behind the Everyone Goes Home Program, designed to reduce the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths. Ron started his career in western Pennsylvania as a volunteer firefighter at the Monessen Volunteer Fire Department, following in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather. He became a professional firefighter in Prince George’s County, where he rose in the ranks to serve as chief of all 47 fire stations in the county. His many honors include the Fire Engineering Lifetime Achievement Award, the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Alan Brunacini Fire Services Executive Safety Award, the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs’ President's Award of Distinction, the University of Maryland, University College Distinguished Alumnus, and the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Silver Medal of Valor. Ron earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) and served as a UMUC faculty member for the Fire Science Curriculum.

Trish Garges

Trish Garges is a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Johnson Controls, where she leads the marketing strategy for Firefighter Air Replenishment Systems (FARS), in addition to multiple global fire suppression product portfolios. With deep experience in product marketing and integrated marketing communications in the fire protection space, Trish excels in developing holistic strategies that align with business objectives and drive market growth.
 
Trish holds an MBA in Marketing and International Business from Villanova University. Her previous roles include managing regional marketing teams and executing successful integrated campaigns that enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. She has played a pivotal role in launching new products and optimizing marketing efforts through actionable market research and customer insights.
 
As a member of the board of directors for the Firefighter Air Coalition, Trish is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission dedicated to all things firefighter air. Her passion for public safety and her extensive marketing expertise uniquely position her to contribute to the Coalition’s initiatives and support the vital work of firefighters across the nation.
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