Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth and Forecast 2034

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Industry Prospective:

The global compressed air foam system (CAFS) market size was worth around USD 1,252.85 million in 2024 and is predicted to grow to around USD 2,938.85 million by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 8.90% between 2025 and 2034.

Request Free Sample

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Overview

A compressed air foam system (CAFS) is a firefighting tool used across industries to prevent fire from spreading to surrounding areas. Compressed air foam systems traditionally use a fire retardant foam solution, which extinguishes fire quickly and efficiently.

Upon application, CAFS releases a foam that rapidly spreads over a wide area, coating the fire and cooling it, thus preventing it from getting in contact with oxygen. This process allows effective fire management as quickly as possible, preventing extensive damage. Currently, CAF systems use a wide variety of foams depending on the final applications.

For instance, some common foam types used in CAF include medium-expansion foam, low-expansion foam, high-expansion foam, and alcohol-resistant foam. The key advantages of using a compressed air foam system instead of traditional firefighting tools include higher environmental consciousness, low water consumption, and reduced cost of infrastructure setup.

During the forecast period, the industry for CAFS is expected to grow due to rising applications across industrial facilities. Increased innovation rate will be critical to the industry’s future growth, according to projections.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global compressed air foam system (CAFS) market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 8.90% over the forecast period (2025-2034)
• In terms of revenue, the global compressed air foam system (CAFS) market size was valued at around USD 1,252.85 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2,938.85 million by 2034.
• The compressed air foam system market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the rising applications in mining and quarrying activities.
• Based on the equipment type, the portable CAFS segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the application, the firefighting segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Europe is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Growth Drivers

Rising applications in mining and quarrying activities to propel market expansion rate

The global compressed air foam system (CAFS) market is expected to be driven by the rising applications of the tool in the mining and quarrying industries.

The presence of a high fire-risk environment in mining facilities is one of the major reasons for the increased demand for firefighting solutions in the industry. Mining and quarrying procedures are subject to extremely dangerous environments, putting the lives of people involved in the process at risk.

In addition, the use of heavy machinery powered by massive amounts of fuel, which are highly flammable, further contributes to the risky environment in which miners perform their day-to-day responsibilities.

Compressed air foam systems do not require extensive infrastructure for setting up, as they are compact and can fit into smaller spaces. This encourages mining and quarrying companies to opt for the CAFS system instead of more bulky firefighting mechanisms, which add to the overall cost of the mining or quarrying operations.

In addition, the foam used in CAFS tools assists in settling the dust, which can otherwise contribute to the risk of dust explosions. Dust settling also ensures a clearer air quality, easing evacuation and allowing firefighters to perform their duties.

Rising fire protection expenditure globally to create growth avenues for market players

The number of fire-related accidents in residential, commercial, and industrial spaces has increased in the last few years. In addition, agricultural and forest zones have also witnessed an increase in the number of massive fire accidents, wiping out large quantities of vegetation and other living organisms in the eco system. These factors have resulted in increased fire protection expenditure around the globe, aided by regional governments that are contributing to growth in the global compressed air foam system (CAFS) industry. For instance, in November 2024, Air Force firefighters in Australia were provided with Rosenbauer ‘Panther’ fire trucks, which are claimed to be the first of their kind in the region. The agency will receive the full suite of Panthers by April 2025.

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Restraints

Higher initial investment with CAFS to limit the market growth trajectory

The global compressed air foam system (CAFS) industry is expected to be restricted by the high upfront cost associated with the use of the firefighting tool.

Compressed air foam systems are more expensive compared to traditional firefighting solutions due to the use of advanced materials stored in the equipment. While installation costs may not be considerably high, the initial expenses may discourage new customers from entering the market.

Furthermore, limited awareness about the benefits of CAFS and a mature market for water-based fire suppression systems may also contribute to restricted growth in the industry.

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Opportunities

Ongoing advancements in the industry to create growth opportunities for industry players

The global compressed air foam system (CAFR) market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the rising advancements in the industry.

In October 2024, Firefly Fire Pumps, an India-based producer of high-quality firefighting pumps and equipment, announced the launch of the country’s first indigenously developed compressed air foam system. The product was showcased at the Fire India 2024 expo.

According to the company’s claims, the equipment is designed to effectively suppress fire as the system develops a thermal barrier isolating oxygen and fire.

In addition, the foam attaches itself to the surface, creating a protective layer that absorbs heat and prevents contact with flammable materials.

In June 2024, Ziegler, a leading industry contributor from Germany, launched ZI-CAFS-V900. The technology offers unparalleled performance in terms of extinguishing fire with unprecedented speed and efficiency. The fully integrated system offers an air compressor unit, fire pump unit, proportional foam mixing unit, mixer unit, and electronic control unit, among other components.

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Challenges

Regulatory hurdles and environmental concerns to challenge market size in the future

The global compressed air foam system (CAFS) industry is projected to be challenged by the existence of an intense and complex regulatory environment surrounding the use of novel materials in firefighting systems. In addition, certain chemicals or materials used in CAFS foam are known to be environmentally damaging, especially solutions containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Market players must adhere to the regional laws to ensure 100% compliance and smooth functioning of business operations.

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Report Scope

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Segmentation

The global compressed air foam system (CAFS) market is segmented based on equipment type, foam type, application, and region.

Based on the equipment type, the global market segments are stationary CAFS and portable CAFS. In 2024, the highest demand was listed in the portable CAFS segment since they offer greater flexibility and versatility during firefighting events. Portable systems are compact and easy to use, allowing firefighters to respond to critical situations more easily. Stationary CAFS tools are generally used in municipal firefighting and have shown greater applications in large-scale accidents. According to official data, more than 270,000 electrical home fires break out in Europe every year.

Based on foam type, the global compressed air foam system industry is divided into fluoroprotein foam, protein foam, class A foam, and synthetic foam.

Based on the application, the global market segments are construction & demolition, agricultural applications, industrial cleaning, firefighting, and others. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the firefighting segment. The increased expenditure on developing a more robust firefighting ecosystem across developed and developing economies is fueling the segmental revenue. In 2022, the US National Interagency Fire Center spent nearly USD 3 billion on fire suppression.

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Regional Analysis

Europe to continue leading the way during the forecast period, according to research

The global compressed air foam system market will be led by Europe during the forecast period. Countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the UK, and France will deliver the most optimal results according to research. Germany, for instance, is known for having one of the world’s most efficient fire departments with well-trained professionals and state-of-the-art fire extinguishing technologies.

In May 2022, Austria-based Rosenbauer, a leading provider of firefighting solutions, launched the Rosenbauer RFC CAFS Cube S compressed air foam system for the fire department. The equipment consists of a water/foam compound mixture along with dry and wet compressed air foam. The company claims the RFC CAFS Cube S is ideal for retrofitting existing fire engines.

North America is a growing market with higher demand for CAFS. The growing rate of wildfires engulfing hectares of forest land and impacting the overall economy has resulted in increased spending on fire extinguishing and suppressing systems in North America.

In addition to this, the existence of strict policies concerning workplace safety, especially in high-risk industries and factory setups, will promote regional growth in the coming years. North America will be highly influenced by the use of environmentally friendly solutions in CAFS systems, according to projections.

Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Market: Competitive Analysis

The global compressed air foam system (CAFS) market is led by players like:

• Pierce Manufacturing
• Fire Shield Systems
• Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS)
• E-One
• Burner Fire Control
• ACAF Systems Inc.
• Kidde Fire Systems
• Rosenbauer
• 1st Fire International
• Godiva
• Darley
• Intelagard
• Hale Products
• NAFFCO
• Waterous Company

The global compressed air foam system (CAFS) market is segmented as follows:

By Equipment Type

• Stationary CAFS
• Portable CAFS

By Foam Type

• Fluoroprotein Foam
• Protein Foam
• Class A Foam
• Synthetic Foam

By Application

• Construction & Demolition
• Agricultural Applications
• Industrial Cleaning
• Firefighting
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa