Protein foam, also known as protein-based foam, is a type of firefighting foam that is designed to suppress and extinguish flammable liquid fires. It is a foam concentrate that, when mixed with water and aerated, produces a foam blanket that effectively smothers the fire, preventing the release of flammable vapours and reducing the fire's heat.

 

Protein foam is called so because it is derived from natural protein-based materials, typically from animal by-products like hydrolysed animal proteins. The proteins in the foam concentrate lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread evenly across the surface of flammable liquids. This helps in creating a stable and cohesive foam blanket that covers the fuel's surface.

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Protein foam is deployed using specialized firefighting equipment such as foam generators, nozzles, and fire trucks equipped with foam systems. It is widely used in industrial settings, airports, oil refineries, and other locations where flammable liquid fires are a concern.