Don’t Fight the Fire

Long-term fire retardants are the pros in battling wildfires.

Long-term fire retardants play a crucial role in safeguarding against the devastating impacts of wildfires. These substances are of utmost importance in mitigating the destruction caused by these natural disasters. By applying long-term fire retardants, the spread of flames can be significantly slowed down, providing vital time for firefighters to suppress the fire and minimize its impact on affected areas. These retardants act as a protective barrier, allowing time for evacuation procedures and reducing the risk of property damage. The effectiveness of long-term fire retardants lies in their ability to adhere to surfaces and withstand extreme heat, providing extended protection even in challenging conditions. Overall, the use of long-term fire retardants is an integral part of wildfire management strategies, allowing for a more effective and efficient response to these destructive events.

Private structure protection companies typically use long-term fire retardants to put a barrier between the vegetation and the house or other structures. Due to the lasting nature of the fire retardant, the application usually takes place at the beginning of the fire season. A beneficial aspect of the retardant is that it will withstand occasional rain, so reapplication will not be necessary for effectiveness. Unfortunately, continuous rain will wash off the salts from the vegetation and dilute the product to a point of ineffectiveness. Therefore, a careful examination of the rainy season in a particular area is necessary to prevent the wasteful application of the retardant. Private firefighters understand this and will suggest the appropriate time of the year to apply the retardant.

By applying fire retardant to the landscape and structures, the fire retardant will fight the fire by disrupting the fire triangle. Fuel, heat, and oxygen are the well-known three factors of the fire triangle. What firefighters and scientists know, however, is there is a fourth element as well. Chemical decomposition of the substance, whatever form it takes, is necessary for the fire to maintain its heat and flames.

Commonly used fire extinguishers containing a powder interrupt the rapid chemical decomposition and extinguish the fire. Fire retardants also interrupt the chain reaction. Long-term fire retardants use salt-like substances such as magnesium chloride or ammonium phosphate in their products. The retardant directly interferes with the combustion process and, as a result, inhibits the fuel and heat. Without the fuel and heat, the oxygen available in the atmosphere doesn't impact the fire process. The fire retardant takes the fight out of the flame front and protects against embers from igniting the vegetation or structure. Therefore, let the retardants fight the fire--while you remain in a safe location.

Coming soon -- my blog on which fire retardant-brands are the most effective and why.