Firefighting Foam Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032

Firefighting Foam Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032

Firefighting Foam Market is estimated to be valued at USD 1,047.4 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1,406.4 Mn in 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.3% from 2025 to 2032.

Key Takeaways

• In terms of Product Type, the Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) segment is expected to hold the largest firefighting market share of 40.4% in 2025, due to its ability to rapidly form a thin, fast-spreading film that suppresses flammable liquid fires.
• Based on Application, the Class B Fires segment is projected to dominate with a largest share in the market in 2025, supported by its high-risk profile and regulatory pressure.
• Based on End-Use Industry, the Oil & Gas segment is expected to account for the highest share in the market in 2025, owing to its characteristic of fire hazard related with flammable liquids.
• Based on Region, North America is estimated to lead the market with a share of 28% in 2025, owing to the presence of large number of end users.

Market Overview

The global firefighting foam market growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for firefighting foams in the oil & gas, manufacturing, and transportation industries. Additionally, rising concerns about environmental safety and the increasing adoption of green firefighting foams are also driving the growth of the market. Along with that, the rising incidents of fire-related incidents, especially in industries is growing the shift towards environmentally friendly solutions. Traditional foam contains PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) which causes environmental damage. Therefore, there is a high adoption of fluorine-free alternative.

Current Events and Its Impact

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Role of Artificial intelligence (AI) in the Firefighting Foam Market

The integration of artificial intelligence into firefight industry has transformed the fire protection and suppression systems by improving fire detection, response time, suppression accuracy and predictive maintenance. AI-powered fire safety system holds the potential to enhance efficiency, reduce false alarm by up to 40%, minimize property damage, and ensures regulatory compliance within various industries. AI-powered smoke and flame detection devices including thermal imaging camera, infrared sensors, and video analytics as estimated to identify fires up to 30% faster then traditional smoke detectors. AI algorithms analyze historic data to predict fire risk assessment, for instance, AI-drive fire risk analysis helped reduced warehouse fire incidents by 35% in logistic industries.

In May 2025, the fire department of Colorado modernized its way in fighting wildfire with high-tech solution. They are utilizing AI to detect wildfire early and send the data to first responders. Pano AI camera has the ability to detect fire within a minute with a fire sparks.

Pricing Analysis

Firefighting foam prices range from $15 to $125 per gallon, influenced by product type, volume, and regulatory pressure. PFAS-free AFFF alternatives cost 25–40% more than traditional AFFF. Bulk buyers pay $25–45 / gal, while small-volume and retail purchasers face higher rates—$70–110 / gal for PFAS-free AFFF. For instance, Lehigh Valley International Airport retrofitted its Hangar 11 with SOLBERG RE-HEALING (PFAS-free) foam and completed the project on time and on budget, without significant cost escalation from hardware or concentrate changes

Segmental Insights

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Firefighting Foam Market Insights, By Product Type: Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Holds the Largest Share Owing to its Fast-Spreading and Fire-Suppressing Ability

In terms of product type, the Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) segment is expected to hold the largest firefighting market share of 40.4% in 2025, due to its ability to rapidly form a thin, fast-spreading film that suppresses flammable liquid fires. AFFF contains synthetic surfactants that lower the surface tension of water, allowing it to spread quickly over the fuel surface and prevent vapor release. It provides rapid fire knockdown and effective coverage for class B (flammable liquid) fires. AFFF is widely used in industrial, aviation, and municipal firefighting scenarios due to its efficiency in controlling liquid fuel fires and its versatility in combination with water for enhanced fire suppression. From July 4, 2025, the UK will prohibit the use of AFFF fire extinguishers containing PFOA. However, not all AFFF extinguishers contain this compound. Many manufacturers have already phased out PFOA from their products.

The protein foam segment is expected to hold the firefighting market share of 25% in 2025, due to due to its ability to form a stable, heat-resistant foam blanket. Protein foam contains natural protein as the foaming agent, and they are biodegradable. Protein foam flow and spread slower, but it provides a foam blanket that is more heat-resistant and more durable. Protein form is made from a complex mixture of proteins, surfactants and other additives which make it thick, stable foam. It is commonly derived from animal source such as hoof and horn meal, features or fish meal. Protein foam is versatile and suitable for various classes including class A ordinary combustible) and class B(flammable liquids) fires, making it a valuable tool for firefighters.

Firefighting Foam Market Insights, By Application: Class B Dominates the market due to its High-Risk Profile and Regulatory Pressure

The Class B Fire segment is expected to dominate the fighting foam market growth in 2025, owing to its high-risk profile and regulatory pressure. This involves flammable and combustible liquid and gases such as gasoline, oil, tars, petroleum, alcohol, lacquers, solvents, and paint. Class B are particularly hazardous due to this rapid spread and intense heat. These types of fire are common in industries such as laboratories, automotives and manufacturing. Fore class B fire, usually Aqueous Film-forming Foam (AFFF) and Alcohol-resistant AFFF (AR-AFFF) are used.

For instance, in July 2024, class B fire took place in a residence in South Valley, Virgin Gorda, leaving the home completely destroyed. Deputy Fire Chief William Penn reported that the blaze, fueled by flammable liquids, spread within approximately two and a half minutes, making containment efforts exceedingly difficult. This further propels the firefighting market demand.

Firefighting Foam Market Insights, By End-Use: Oil & Gas Emerges Acquires the largest share in the Overall Industry owing to the presence of Fire Hazard Flammable Liquids

The oil & gas segment is expected to contributes the highest share of the market in 2025, emerging as the fire hazard flammable liquid. Firefighting foam has the ability to effectively extinguish and prevent fire in the oil and gas industry, particularly involving hydrocarbon fuel. The market in primarily driven by the alarming rise in fire related events in the oil and gas industry.

In May 2025, Ecuador, an oil refinery, the Esmeraldas facility successfully constrained. As a safety measure, operations at the refinery have been suspended to ensure the security of the installations and personnel. Such incidents drives the firefighting market share.

Regional Insights

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North America Firefighting Foam Market Analysis and Trends

The North America region is projected to lead the market with a 28% share in firefighting foam market in 2025. The dominance of North America is attributed to the presence of a large number of end-users in the region, such as the oil & gas, manufacturing, and utilities industries. Additionally, the stringent regulations regarding fire safety in the region is also driving the growth of the market. According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, the U.S. crude oil production in 2024, grew by 270,000 barrels per day to average 13.2 million b/d. The Permian region in the western Texas and southeastern New Mexico produces more crude oil than any other region, accounting for 48% of total U.S. crude oil production. This is further positively influencing the firefighting foam market forecast.

Europe Firefighting Foam Market Analysis and Trends

The European firefighting foam market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing demand for firefighting foams in the manufacturing, oil & gas, and utilities industries. Additionally, the rising concerns about fire safety in commercial and residential buildings is also driving the growth of the market. The fire safety standards in Europe comprises of Euroclass system for reaction to fire and fire resistance. There is automatic fire suppression system in all residential homes in Wales and in residential building above two storeys in Norway.

For instance, in March 2025, The European Commission announced the call for tender ENER/B3/2024-517 to support the Commission to prepare a Guidance and other related material on fire safety linked to the electrification and renovation of buildings. Europe is deploying 650 firefighters to wildfire high risk zone, in May 2025, since the beginning of this year, 166,000 hectares have been burnt across the 27 member states, nearly three times the average recorded over the same period between 2003 and 2024. This is further accelerating the firefighting foam market demand.

Asia Pacific Firefighting Foam Market Analysis and Trends

The Asia Pacific firefighting foam market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period. This is attributed to the growing demand for firefighting foams in the oil & gas, manufacturing, and utilities industries in countries such as China, India, and Japan. For example, China has been rapidly expanding its petrochemical and oil refining capacity, with large projects such as the Zhejiang Petrochemical Complex and the Hengli Petrochemical refinery. These facilities handle highly flammable materials and require extensive fire safety measures, including the use of firefighting foams for hydrocarbon fire suppression.

Additionally, the rising concerns about fire safety in commercial and residential buildings is also driving the growth of the market. Building owners and managers in Malaysia must invest in robust fire safety measures, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, smoke detectors, and emergency exits. The fire safety standards in Asia comprises of active fire protection measures, such as automatic sprinkler systems and fire alarms.

Firefighting Foam Market Outlook Country-wise

The United States Firefighting Foam Market Trends

The U.S. firefighting foam marker is characterized by its stringent fire safety regulation and the growing need for effective fire suppression in industries such as oil & gas and aviation. The U.S. fire safety regulation run by the national Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The NFPA developed and published codes and standards including the NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code) and NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code), which provide guidelines for building design, construction, and fire protection. OSHA sets regulations for workplace fire safety, including requirements for portable fire extinguishers and flammable liquid storage. 

In May 2025, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced to intensify its global fire safety initiatives by integrating public education with international standards development. There will be campaigns like Fire Prevention Week to raise awareness about fire hazards in the U.S. and Canada.

Market Report Scope

Firefighting Foam Market Trends

• Shift to Environmentally Friendly Foams

With increases environmental concerns, especially regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that is found in many firefighting foams, there is a noticeable shift towards more eco-friendly formulations. PFAS compounds are persistent and can contaminate water sources, leading to a push for alternatives. For instance, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) for fighting liquid fuel fires since the 1970s. However, PFAS are linked to harmful effects on humans and animals, and they do not degrade naturally in the environment.  In response to the negative impacts of PFAS, the Department of Defense has issued a new performance specification for firefighting foams used by the military, requiring them to be PFAS-free.

• Increased Use in Aviation and Marine Sectors

The rise in global trade and travel means that fire safety in transportation hubs like airports and seaports is paramount. The specific nature of potential fires in these sectors (like fuel fires) has made firefighting foams a crucial safety measure. For instance, in May 2023, as per the Federal Aviation Administration is actively involved in this transition, and it has urged U.S. airports to limit the use of firefighting foam with PFAS due to the associated risks. The Port of Seattle Fire Department, for example, has been on a five-year journey to find the safest and most efficient aircraft firefighting foam replacement, and it is expecting U.S. airports to soon have the opportunity to select from a list of approved fluorine-free foam products.

• Regulatory Changes and Compliance

Regulatory bodies worldwide are tightening the rules concerning firefighting foam compositions, especially concerning harmful chemicals. Companies are innovating to ensure their products comply with these evolving regulations. For instance, from January 2026, the regulation of firefighting foams on ships will commence with the global rejection of perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS), also the use of PFOS will be prohibited onboard new ships, and the existing vessels needs to be replaced by their first survey thereafter.

Firefighting Foam Market Drivers

• Increasing Industrialization

The establishment of more industries, warehouses, and factories can increase the risk of fire incidents. This propels the need for advanced firefighting measures, including firefighting foams. For instance, the Delhi Fire Services reported that in the year 2025, industrial zones recorded a total of 87 fire incidents, while godowns and JJ clusters reported 49 and 35 incidents, respectively. Educational institutions experienced 18 incidents, and hospitals, along with nursing homes, reported 3 incidences. Furthermore, an alarming total of 1,404 garbage fires was documented, underscoring the pressing need for improved waste management strategies.

• Rise in Urbanization

As urban areas grow, there is an increase in infrastructure, transportation systems, and other critical sectors. These developments demand enhanced firefighting capabilities. For instance, in April 2025, Delta Air Lines Flight 1213, bound for Atlanta caught fire on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport. The Passengers had to evacuate through the emergency exit sliders, confirmed this Federal Aviation Authority.

• Higher Safety Standards

Governments and industrial bodies are continuously updating and tightening safety regulations and standards. The adoption of these standards requires organizations to have efficient firefighting systems in place. For instance, in April 2025, an article published in the Firefighter Nation, expresses the importance of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards development process. Participation in NFPA committees allows firefighters to contribute to the evolution of safety protocols but also ensures that the standards reflect the diverse needs of the fire service community.

• Awareness of Fire Safety

With increasing awareness about fire safety among businesses and the general population, there is an augmented demand for advanced firefighting products. For instance, in May 2025, a proactive effort has taken to enhance emergency preparedness, ASPIRE, a startup incubation center at the University of Hyderabad (UoH), has successfully organized a comprehensive fire safety awareness session and mock drill on campus. The program featured in-depth presentation on fire hazards, safety equipment, mitigation strategies, and evacuation procedures.

Firefighting Foam Market Opportunities

• Eco-friendly Formulations

Given the environmental concerns associated with traditional firefighting foams, there's a significant opportunity to develop and market environmentally-friendly foam formulations that degrade quickly without harming ecosystems. For instance, as per the Environmental Management of Firefighting Foam Policy clarifies the requirements and provides guidance on the use and management of firefighting foams, considering both short-term and long-term risks.

Analyst Opinion (Expert Opinion)

• The firefighting foam industry is at a pivotal juncture. The regulatory chokehold on PFAS-based foams, particularly in North America and the EU, is not just a compliance issue, it’s a forced transformation. The U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) October 2023 ban on aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in military facilities has functioned as a signal event. It mandates not only procurement phase-outs but also retroactive decontamination of fire suppression systems, setting a precedent that commercial and municipal sectors are now compelled to follow.
• Over 1,400 fire departments in the U.S. have already begun transitioning to fluorine-free foams (F3) not due to preference, but under mounting legal and environmental liabilities. The settlement between 3M and U.S. municipalities, amounting to USD 10.3 billion for PFAS contamination cleanup, underscores the operational and reputational risks of clinging to legacy chemistries. This isn’t just policy-driven innovation; it’s survival-driven obsolescence.
• Critically, not all F3 products are created equal. While Europe leads the regulatory push, the technical performance gap remains a sticking point. Most F3 foams struggle with fuel-shedding capabilities and cold-weather stability, particularly in high-risk sectors like petrochemicals. For instance, during controlled testing in Rotterdam’s Port in late 2023, F3 prototypes required up to 35% more concentrate to achieve suppression benchmarks similar to AFFF, raising serious concerns around cost, logistics, and water consumption.
• Startups like GreenFire and Tyco’s reengineered F3 platforms have shown promise in terms of toxicity reduction, but scalability and shelf life remain unresolved. Moreover, less than 15% of global airports have made a full transition to PFAS-free foams, largely due to ICAO performance standards that F3s have yet to consistently meet under adverse operational conditions.
• In my view, the firefighting foam market’s next frontier isn’t purely in chemistry—it’s in systems engineering. Integrated delivery mechanisms with sensor-based adaptive foam deployment and micro-encapsulation of active agents could render older formulations obsolete—not by regulation, but by sheer performance superiority.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, Dafo Fomtec AB announced its fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrate, Enviro MIL. The new launch has received approval from the U.S. Department of the Navy under the MIL-PRF-32725(2) specification.
• In April 2025, Perimeter Solutions, a leading global solutions provider for the fire safety and specialty products industries, launched fluorine-free firefighting foam at Fire Department Instructors Conference (FIDC) 2025. The latest innovation of the SOLBERG SPARTAN™ 1% Fluorine-Free Class A/B Foam Concentrate is designed to combat a wide range of fires including structural, wildland, vehicles, gasoline, and dumpster fire.
• In March 2025, Minnesota Soyabean Research & Council (MSR&PC) invested in a safety future of firefighting with SoyFoam, a soy-based firefighting foam for firefighters. It extinguishes and controls fire safely while removing harmful chemicals, ensuring a secure foam blanket that is safe to touch. SoyFoam™ TF 1122 is the first and only firefighting foam that is GreenScreen Certified® at the gold level.

Market Segmentation

• By Foam Type
• Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
• Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-AFFF)
• Protein Foam
• Fluoroprotein Foam
• Synthetic Detergent Foam
• Others
• By Application
• Class A Fires
• Class B Fires
• Class C Fires
• Class D Fires
• Class K Fires
• By End-Use Industry
• Aviation
• Marine
• Oil & Gas
• Industrial
• Mining
• Residential & Commercial
• Others
• By Region
• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Europe
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • Spain
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • ASEAN
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East
  • GCC Countries
  • Israel
  • Rest of Middle East
• Africa
  • South Africa
  • North Africa
  • Central Africa
•   Top companies in Firefighting Foam Market
• Angus Fire
• Fire Service Plus Inc.
• 3M
• Firechem
• Eau&Feu

Sources

Primary Research Interviews from the following stakeholders

Stakeholders

Interviews with firefighting foam manufacturers, fire safety equipment distributors, environmental regulators, airport fire chiefs, industrial safety managers, procurement officers, and environmental compliance officers across major global regions.

Specific Stakeholders

• Fire safety officers at oil & gas facilities (e.g., Saudi Aramco, Shell, ExxonMobil)
• Procurement heads at airport firefighting units (e.g., Frankfurt Airport, Singapore Changi, Denver International)
• Fire chiefs at municipal and regional fire departments in North America, Europe, and APAC
• Environmental compliance officers at chemical manufacturing firms
• Safety managers at maritime ports and offshore drilling platforms
• Product engineers at foam concentrate and proportioning system manufacturers
• Sustainability leads at industrial conglomerates (e.g., Siemens, Tata Group, General Electric)

Databases

• UN Comtrade Database
• World Bank Environment Statistics
• European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Database
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Substance Registry Services
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Data Archives
• Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Procurement Reports
• Transport Canada – Fire Safety & Environment Records
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), India
• China Fire Services Bureau Data Portal
• Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS)

Magazines

• Fire Engineering
• Industrial Fire Journal
• Fire Technology
• Fire Chief Magazine
• Hazardex
• EHS Today – Fire & Life Safety
• International Fire Protection Magazine
• Oil & Gas Middle East – Safety Section

Journals

• Journal of Hazardous Materials
• Chemosphere (Elsevier)
• Fire Safety Journal
• Journal of Fire Sciences
• Environmental Science & Technology
• International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries

Newspapers

• The Wall Street Journal – Environmental & Industry Sections
• Financial Times – Industrial Safety & Chemicals Coverage
• The Economic Times – Infrastructure and Environment
• The Hindu Business Line – Industry Focus
• Reuters – Energy & Chemicals
• South China Morning Post – Industrial and Safety News
• Nikkei Asia – Manufacturing & Environmental Policy

Associations

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
• International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Fire Protection Sub-Committee
• European Fire Safety Alliance (EuroFSA)
• International Association for Fire Safety Science (IAFSS)
• Fire Industry Association (FIA), UK
• Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), U.S.
• Indian Fire Services Association (IFSA)

Public Domain Sources

• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – PFAS and Foam Regulations
• European Commission – REACH Regulations on Fluorinated Foams
• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), U.S.
• Ministry of Environment, Japan – Fire Foam Guidelines
• Environment and Climate Change Canada – Chemical Management Plan
• India Central Pollution Control Board – Fire Foam Waste Management Reports
• Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Foam Transition Policies
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Reports

Proprietary Elements

• CMI Data Analytics Tool, and Proprietary CMI Existing Repository of information for last 8 years

*Definition: Firefighting foam is a fire suppression agent used in combating flammable liquid fires. It works by creating a cooling, smothering, and vapor-suppressing blanket over the fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen, thereby suppressing combustion. The firefighting foam market refers to the industry involved in the production, distribution, and sale of these foam concentrates and related equipment.