United States Johnson Controls

What is a firefighter air replenishment system (FARS)?

FARS is a building-installed standpipe that delivers breathing air. The systems are designed to provide firefighters with a quick, safe, reliable and constant source of air resupply during all stages of a large structure fire. Firefighters can refill their air bottles at filling stations located throughout a building during emergency operations while under full respiration.

Why is FARS necessary?

A 30-minute rated air bottle provides the average firefighter with a breathing air supply of 12-14 minutes. Without FARS, providing air resupply to fire crews working on upper floors in a high-rise or deep in a big box-style structure is done by hand – assigned firefighter crews shuttle replacement bottles to staging areas either by stairway or elevator.

How quickly can a firefighter refill an air bottle?

Fill times and capacity of a specific system can vary based on system design, the number of bottles simultaneously connected and other factors. Many jurisdictions require a FARS to be capable of filling two air bottles within two minutes; however, this requirement can vary from one jurisdiction to another.

How do FARS work?

During the construction process, FARS installers will install a ½" stainless steel piping distribution system to interconnect all system components. Depending on the preference of the Authority Having Jurisdiction, air-filling stations are located at various locations in designated stairways or in air resource closets (every two floors is a common requirement). FARS can also be retrofitted into existing buildings.

What are the benefits of FARS to a building owner and occupants?

The manual delivery of air is labor-intensive, making fewer firefighters available for other critical tasks like fire attack, search and rescue. With FARS, more fire crews can focus on saving lives and property.