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West Milford Fire Department was dispatched to the Oak Ridge section of town for the reported structure fire. Do to the area water supply is limited to tanker shuttle operations. Fire Chief Bob Castro immediately asked dispatch for mutual aid companies from Jefferson Twp. Fire Co. 1 and Hardyston Fire Departments. Upon Arrival, JTFD1 Fire Chief Andrew Schmidt notified the West Milford Chief he had a new product called the "FIT 5" and would like to deploy it through the basement window in conjunction with fire crews making entry into the basement. The FIT 5 successfully did as it was designed and knocked the fire down immediately minimizing damage.

What is the FIT-5 (Fire Interruption Technology)? The device a powdered aerosol first response tool that quickly and safely knocks down flame and temperature. The FIT-5 is about the size of a lunchbox, and weighs about nine pounds. It’s designed to be carried in Chiefs vehicles and on Fire Trucks. First Responders use it to knockdown fires prior to entering a burning structure.

Time of Deployment:
Chief Schmidt talked with the Chief in charge of the West Milford Fire Department and see if they would allow him to deploy the unit. Firefighters were amazed on how rapid the heat and flame were removed allowing for safe operation in a very dangerous fire to fight.

Chief Schmidt in conjunction with West Milford Chief Castro had the first FIT 5 deployment in New Jersey., Chief Schmidt just took delivery on Friday. This was also the first FIT 5 deployed in a basement fire in North America.

If you would like information on the Fit 5 please email me at wizzam53@hotmail.com and visit arasafety.com for video on the FIT 5