Safety board investigates fire suppression system malfunction on base Published June 26, 2015 By 412th Test Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A Safety Investigation Board was convened June 19 to investigate the inadvertent activation of the fire suppression systems in Hangar 1600 and Hangar 1820 on June 13, 2015, at approximately 5:30 p.m. Water was released in Hangar 1600, and water and foam were released in Hangar 1820. There were no injuries, and cleanup operations are complete. The causes of these releases are unknown at this time and are under investigation by the safety investigation board. There is no threat to human health, wildlife or the environment. Any potential damage to the aircraft in the hangars will be assessed as part of the investigation. The fire suppression system in Hangar 1600 released water in an area that housed two F-16s, a C-12 and a T-38. The water was diverted to a lined retention pond at the base waste water treatment plant. One F-16 and the T-38 are being evaluated for water intrusion. In Hangar 1820 water and Ansul Jet-Ex foam concentrate were released. The foam is detergent-based with additives to keep it stable and to prevent freezing. The foam is non-toxic but may cause respiratory and skin irritation after prolonged exposure to people with certain sensitivities. Cleanup operations did not begin until the foam had dissipated. The foam residue was collected and properly disposed of by qualified technicians. Hangar 1820 housed six F-35 aircraft. All but one of the F-35s have returned to service. One has not been returned to service because it is undergoing scheduled maintenance unrelated to the foam release. Base technicians regularly test the fire suppression systems on base and will continue to do so. As part of that ongoing effort, technicians have scheduled six hangars for testing between July 15 and Jan. 16, 2016.