Abstract: In a fugitive color fire retardant composition, the colorant initially colors the composition to a hue which contrasts with the hue of ground vegetation. A non-fugitive component is included in the colorant, in an amount sufficient to provide improved aerial visibility when the composition is first aerially applied to the vegetation. However, the amount of non-fugitive pigment is less than an amount which would prevent the composition from fading after application to an acceptable neutral hue.

Abstract: In a fugitive color fire retardant composition, the colorant initially colors the composition to a hue which contrasts with the hue of ground vegetation. A non-fugitive component is included in the colorant, in an amount sufficient to provide improved aerial visibility when the composition is first aerially applied to the vegetation. However, the amount of non-fugitive pigment is less than an amount which would prevent the composition from fading after application to an acceptable neutral hue.

Abstract: The proportioning valve apparatus includes a cylindrical valve body having a first inlet for receipt of a first fluid, a second inlet for receipt of a second fluid, a mixing chamber and an outlet for releasing a mixture of the two respective inputs. A rotary barrier element is positioned adjacent to the first and second inlets and operates to selectively impede the flow of fluids through first and second inlets and into the valve chamber. Rotation of the rotary valve barrier in a first direction is operative to close the first inlet while simultaneously opening the second inlet. The present invention further includes a closed loop control system utilizing measurement of the density of the output mixture to control the activation of the proportioning valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to fire suppressant compositions and methods of preparing and using such compositions. The compositions consist of water, at least about 5% by weight of a fire retardant salt, which includes at least 1.5% by weight of ammonium thiosulfate. These compositions may contain other optional functional components such as corrosion inhibitors, suspending agents, coloring agents, antimicrobials and stabilizers.

Abstract: A gum-thickened fire retardant composition with improved stability and/or corrosion resistance contains a fire retardant salt, a gum thickener, an aqueous liquid carrier and at least one non-toxic water-soluble additive which is at least onecarboxylic acid or salt thereof, having the structural formula ##STR1## wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted carbon chain containing conjugated unsaturation, and X is hydrogen or a metal.The additive component is present in an amount effective to improve the stability of said composition and/or reduce the corrosivity of the composition to iron. Preferred compositions containing the combination of at least one compound in which R is a phenyl group, especially sodium benzoate, and at least one compound in which R is a carbon chain containing unconjugated unsaturation, especially sorbic acid.