Cross Plains Solutions is proud to share that SoyFoam™, the soy-based firefighting foam,
was successfully deployed by the Casselton Fire Department during a fast-moving wildland
fire spreading along a railroad right-of-way near Absaraka, North Dakota. Used for both
initial knockdown and mop-up, SoyFoam™ helped crews extinguish fires in grass, shelter
belts, and heavy timber—ultimately protecting communities and natural landscapes
across roughly 100 acres.
As the fires spread alongside railroad tracks—impacting land, pastures, and tree lines—
Casselton’s Brush unit quickly mobilized, with mutual aid from Buffalo Fire and support
from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. SoyFoam™ played a key role in extinguishing surface
fires and soaking deep into dense fuels like railroad ties and logs to prevent reignition.
“We used SoyFoam both for initial extinguishment in grass and shelter belts and during
mop-up of heavy timber and railroad ties scattered along the right-of-way,” said John Hejl,
Fire Chief of Casselton, ND. “Its ability to break water’s surface tension helped it soak
deeper into dense fuels—and because it’s people and environmentally friendly, we could
use it confidently in our community without worrying about harmful aftereffects.”
“Our goal with SoyFoam has always been to give firefighters a powerful tool that’s also safe
for people and the environment,” said Alan Snipes, Managing Partner at Cross Plains
Solutions. “When departments like Casselton can use it right in the heart of their
community—knowing it won’t leave harmful residues—that’s exactly the impact we’re
aiming for.”
Firefighters highlighted SoyFoam’s ability to break the surface tension of water, allowing it
to penetrate deeper into fuels and create lasting suppression. Crews used the foam to
establish wet lines and fully contain the flames, ensuring no rekindles after departure.
This incident underscores how soy-based innovation can meet real-world emergency
needs—sustainably and effectively