As we know, the temperatures in a fires area are above 300 degrees Celsius (572 degrees Fahrenheit), while water evaporates at 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). Therefore, the fire is unlikely to be extinguished using water. Using a retardant, which is a mixture of water with fertilizer and other components, is a better option.
However, in USA, for example, this retardant contains about 85% water (according to U.S. Forest Service), and it is carried to the wildfire sites using airtankers, so huge resources are deployed compared to the efficiency of the mixture. That is because almost all the water (85% of the mixture) will evaporate before even reaching the fire, given that water evaporates at 100 degrees Celsius and the temperatures in the fires area are above 300 degrees Celsius.
In Australia, the Erikson aircrane is used to extinguish big bushfires, using water. It is a high-performance aircraft, able to suck up from a water source, up to 9000 litres in 45 seconds. However, the water is spread over the fire, and most of it vaporises before reaching the fire, so the efficiency is significantly reduced. Also, the cost to hire one aircrane for 12 weeks is $1.5 million, so it is extremely expensive.
Dr. Gabriela Raducan is currently working on an innovative device that is able to extinguish fires without using water or toxic substances. The next step is to create a remotely controlled robot that will handle the device, and will assist the firefighters on the front lines, avoiding to expose the humans to the dangers created by bushfires.
However, in USA, for example, this retardant contains about 85% water (according to U.S. Forest Service), and it is carried to the wildfire sites using airtankers, so huge resources are deployed compared to the efficiency of the mixture. That is because almost all the water (85% of the mixture) will evaporate before even reaching the fire, given that water evaporates at 100 degrees Celsius and the temperatures in the fires area are above 300 degrees Celsius.
In Australia, the Erikson aircrane is used to extinguish big bushfires, using water. It is a high-performance aircraft, able to suck up from a water source, up to 9000 litres in 45 seconds. However, the water is spread over the fire, and most of it vaporises before reaching the fire, so the efficiency is significantly reduced. Also, the cost to hire one aircrane for 12 weeks is $1.5 million, so it is extremely expensive.
Dr. Gabriela Raducan is currently working on an innovative device that is able to extinguish fires without using water or toxic substances. The next step is to create a remotely controlled robot that will handle the device, and will assist the firefighters on the front lines, avoiding to expose the humans to the dangers created by bushfires.