Abstract: A method for producing a fire retardant gel. The method comprises the steps of forming a first solution comprised of a mixture of water and modified cellulose ether where the first solution has a pH of 7 or less; forming a second solution comprised of a mixture of water and a base where the second solution has an alkaline pH; and, mixing the first and the second solutions together in proportions such that the mixture of the first and the second solutions has an alkaline pH thereby causing the formation of the fire retardant gel at an accelerated rate.