Patent ID: 8881839

Claim:
A method for extinguishing an at least substantially full surface industrial scale hydrocarbon tank fire in a tank having a diameter greater than 300 feet, comprising: applying an effective gpm of foam over the tank wall with one or more nozzles initially staged exterior to and generally upwind of the tank to create at least one primary landing footprint at least at or within 80% of theoretical foam run from a downwind back tank wall portion and greater than 100% of theoretical foam run from an upwind front tank wall portion, the gpm effective to establish and maintain a foam blanket; and subsequently, prior to flame collapse, restaging at least one of said one or more nozzles to create a secondary staging of nozzles such that said at least one primary landing footprint is altered to a secondary landing footprint landing at or within 75% of theoretical foam run from an upwind front tank wall portion.