A firefighting foam preservative composition and a method of making the firefighting foam preservative composition are provided. The firefighting foam preservative composition includes a suspension system containing water and at least one suspension agent. The firefighting foam preservative composition also includes a first polysaccharide that is soluble in the suspension system; and a second polysaccharide that is insoluble in the suspension system, but soluble in water alone. Methods of using the firefighting foam preservative composition to produce a firefighting foam and using the firefighting foam to secure a hazard by extinguishing fire and/or suppressing flammable vapors are also provided.