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Aqueous Fire Gel Trials
Canadian Boreal Community FireSmart Project: Burn trials in Ft. Providence helping us to learn more about structural protection.
In the summer of 2010 wildfire professionals from around the continent ascended on Fort Providence to learn how to better protect homes from wildfire. The Canadian Boreal Community Research FireSmart Project research site, 50 km north of Ft. Providence NT, has been a place of learning for 13 years. The knowledge gained by observing these fires will be shared with wildfire professionals all over the world.
One of the focuses of the 2010 burns was on aqueous gels and how they help us to protect homes from wildfire. Fire requires oxygen, heat and fuel; aqueous gels take oxygen out of the equation by creating a layer of goo. Chemistry and fire science knowledge is combined to determine the complex make up of this slimy gel.
Tests were conducted on 3 different sets of 3 plywood cubes. Each set were covered with three different manufactures products at three different time intervals to determine their effectiveness at protecting structures. Intentionally lit fire simulated the advancement of a wildfire and tested the capabilities of the gels.
All of the 9 plywood boxes survived the fire. Here are some observations from the researchers and wildfire professionals:
o Though temperatures outside the box were in excess of 900°C, a rose bush and other vegetation inside the box showed no sign of duress.
o Once properly gelled, the need to have a wildland fire pump dedicated to structure protection may be limited.
o Wildfire crews, after prophesising the demise of the structures, were surprised to see they survived the fire’s passage.
Researchers were excited by the outcomes and look forward to learning more about the application of this substance as a tool in wildfire structural protection. Plans are already underway for more gels trials next year to answer such questions as how far in advance can you apply the gel product?
While researchers are learning more about the applications of fire suppression techniques they stress that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. FireSmart principles help to protect your home and increase fire fighter safety. Learn more about how to help fire professionals protect your home.
Figure 1 - Wooden cubes were instrumented and coated with aqueous gels four hours, three hours and two hours before the burn.
Figure 2 - During the fire – a highly vigorous wildfire passed over the aqueous gelled structures.
Figure 3 - Aqueous Gel protected structures after the fire front passed. All structures survived.
