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Thermo-Gel and Absolute Fire Solutions Team Up On Initial Attack

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ABSOLUTE FIRE SOLUTIONS INTRODUCES NEW ‘FAST GEL’ INITIAL ATTACK BUCKET FOR HELICOPTER OPERATORS AND FIRE AGENCIES
 

CALGARY, CA, (March 15, 2010) – Absolute Fire Solutions (AFS) of Calgary, Canada, and Thermo Technologies of Bismark, N.D., have joined forces to offer an innovativenew way to increase firefighting effectiveness. The FAST Gel Initial Attack bucket injection system eliminates the need to wait for large tankers and reservoirs, enabling fire agencies to apply the highly effective Thermo-Gel suppressant much earlier in the fire suppression cycle.

Expanding on its reputation for introducing new technologies and capabilities in helicopter bucket technology, AFS developed the gel injection system as a result of fire agency input. “Based on what we heard about the impact of Thermo-Gel, we wanted to deliver an initial attack option using our unique FAST Fill system for proper mixing, without the need for a large base tank setup,” said AFS President Steve Matthews. “The
idea was to offer fire agencies a quick and simple initial attack option that would deliver the enhanced performance of Thermo-Gel in a quickly installed FAST Bucket delivery system. We are proud to offer our clients another first — the FAST Gel Initial Attack system.”

The injection system is designed for use in a FAST Bucket with FAST Fill internal pump capabilities. AFS designed the injection system to ensure quick and simple FAST Bucket cleanup, using a reservoir similar to the FAST Foam bag. As a result, operators may choose Thermo-Gel, water, or conventional foam retardant, depending on their firefighting need.

“The unique design of the FAST Bucket and the FAST Fill pump gave us the opportunity to create another new fire suppression capability,” Matthews said. “The Thermo-Gel team worked with us to ensure that our mix process and final retardant mixture consistently exceeded their requirements. The FAST Gel system is the result of that team effort.“

About Absolute Fire Solutions
Absolute Fire Solutions (AFS) of Calgary, Canada, manufactures the FAST Bucket, the world’s first aerial firefighting bucket integrating cockpit volume control in every size. In its third year of operation, AFS has clients in 16 countries operating the full range of FAST Buckets and accessories, including FAST Fill, FAST Foam and now FAST Gel. The introduction of FAST Gel continues AFS’s aggressive innovation in aerial fire
suppression equipment. For more information about Absolute Fire Solutions, visit www.absolutefire.ca

About Thermo-Gel
Renowned for its effectiveness, Thermo-Gel is an environmentally friendly product approved by the U.S. Forest Service. Thermo-Gel is being used extensively in Western Canada, United States and Australia by federal, state, provincial, county and city fire authorities. For more information about Thermo-Gel and its products, visit www.thermo-gel.com.

Posted by on March 24, 2010 • Filed under: Thermo-Gel, Uncategorized, Wildland

Harrier “Jump Jet” Replacement

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Not having anything to do with wildland firefighting but noteworthy by the coolness if it.

The plan is for the F-35B to replace the Harrier fleets of the US Marine Corp, Royal Navy, and RAF as soon as budget and production constraints allow.

Note; If you are going to pilot an awesome aircraft like the F-35B you might want to invest in inexpensive term life insurance just in case there’s an accident.   At speeds that fast, one wrong move and you, along with the plane, would be toast.

Posted by on March 19, 2010 • Filed under: Uncategorized

NIFC Predictive Services Wildland Fire Outlook March – June

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The National Interagency Fire Center’s Predictive Services office details the potential effect of El Nino this Spring for all regions of the U.S.

Generally, California (with the exception of the extreme N/E corner) will see above average precipitation through April.
Arizona is wet and getting wetter through the Spring.
Washington and the Northwest can expect some easing of the drought.
West Texas, New Mexico can expect above average precipitation through April.

Year to date fire activity has been 42% of normal burning 26% of average acres.

What this means for the upcoming fire season.

Fuel moisture will be way up and some areas of the Sierra’s may stay green through the Summer. NIFC notes significant tree and brush damage and freeze-kill brush from heavier than normal snowfall will contribute to fuel loads.

For California NIFC predicts the potential for significant fire through June is normal. History contradicts this sentiment. Fewer acres burn in a Summer following an El Nino event. Unless driven by unusual or out of season wind events June and July should be quiet. We should see the inverse of 2008.

I don’t expect any significant wildfire activity in the state until the Santa Ana winds return to Southern California counties in the Fall.

If the drought pattern holds in the Northwest that is where the Summer action will take place.nifc

Posted by on March 10, 2010 • Filed under: California, Funding & Staffing, Wildland • Tagged:

Wildfire Safety Bunkers Approved in Australia

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“The first bushfire bunker to meet new state government regulations has been accredited in Victoria Australia” so reports AAP via Yahoo! 7News.

FireProofShelters.com.au looks to be at the forefront of this idea and their site offers a view of the product.

A couple of thoughts. If you can afford it why not have one installed. If you live in tornado country it could play a duel role. The larger version holds up to 8 people so multiple neighbors could share costs and use. During the winter the unit could be used for storage.

I cannot see a down side.

Posted by on March 10, 2010 • Filed under: Australian Bushfires, Bush fires, Wildland • Tagged: , ,

Troutman Fire and Rescue Guided to Crash Scene by Onstar

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I was pointed to this story by reader Stephan Cross.
I don’t have OnStar in any of my vehicles so I have no personal experience with the product. In this case the product paid the freight.

Posted by on March 5, 2010 • Filed under: Fire Rescue Topics, Rescues, Technology & Communications, Videos • Tagged: , ,