At least in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, summer heat often means wildfires with many casualties. New fire retardant gel products, though, may provide a structure-saving solution.
This week, for example, raging wildfires in central Arizona claimed the lives of 19 firefighters who were overtaken in the blaze. This fire, the largest single loss of firefighters since 9/11, started last Friday. On Monday, USA Today reported that the fire had burned 2,000 acres, and just a day later had quadrupled its area, having consumed 8,400 acres. The raging blaze was caused by a nightmare combination of thunderstorms, dry weather, and high winds.
Although this fire captured the headlines, the problem is much more profound. As of June 13, a total of 20,472 fires have burned more than 1.8 million acres across the USA so far this year, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC). Currently, there are 27 wildfires burning across the United States, including incidents in Alaska (eight fires), Arizona (six), and Colorado (four).
The loss of buildings to fire in the US is considerable. Last month, for example, a Colorado wildfire, dubbed the Black Forest Fire, took more than 500 homes, making it the most destructive fire in the state’s history. In fact, in 2011, these losses accounted for more than $6.6 billion in loss, according to the US Fire Administration (FEMA). Fire gel products, meanwhile, promise to address these losses, at least in some cases.
These gels, which are delivered as a pressurized spray, can be applied to a building structure in minutes, but will provide several hours of protection, according to DakotaFire Systems, which makes a product called GEL. The gel is activated when water is sprayed on the structure, so that a light misting of water can reactivate a single application, the company said in its product information.
The gels, which have been available for less than a decade, are becoming a regular part of the equipment used by firefighters working to mitigate losses from quickly spreading wildfires. They have the potential to save hundreds of homes. See a demonstration here. In addition, many of the products promise to be non-toxic, so that wildlife isn’t put at risk by use of the products. FireIce, from GelTech, for example, sells itself as environmentally friendly, and promises to safeguard buildings for up to 24 hours, and protect from heat up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
The loss, meanwhile, can be averted at minimal cost. A five-gallon container of gel from Thermo Technologies costs about $335 and will coat a 2,500-square-foot-house, an article in the Rapid City Journal said. Meanwhile, a 25 pound bucket of FireIce, which is sold as a powder rather than a pre-mixed gel, costs $169.99. </>
In addition, these products are being marketed to homeowners to allow them to proactively protect their property. Barricade II Fire Blocking Gel, for example, stays wet for up to 48 hours after application to protect homes from embers that might ignite the house. A kit to protect a typical home costs $326.
Gel-based fire suppressants are also gaining popularity for other uses. The Con Edison electricity utility company recently completed field-testing of FireIce, mentioned above, to protect its utility workers and equipment at fire sites.
Will this new direction in saving structures take center stage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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