Abstract: A method is described for the control or suppression of a fire in which one applies to the fire a suppressant material which contains dealginated, partially dewatered kelp. Other components, such as perlite, may also be present. The suppressant material will have a water content no greater than about 25%, preferably about 5%-10%. It is used in the form of particulates and applied to the surface of a fire to suppress or extinguish the fire. It is particularly applicable to fighting fires in remote or inaccessible locations; large area fires, such as pools of burning oil; or fires where use of conventional water fire fighting methods are either dangerous or insufficient. The material may be molded into various shapes adapted to be used as fire barriers in vehicles and building walls.

Abstract: A method is described for the absorption of a liquid in which one applies to a body of the liquid an absorbent material which contains dealginated, partially dewatered kelp residue. Other components, such as perlite, may also be present. The absorbent material will have a water content no greater than about 25%, preferably about 5%-10%. The absorbent material may be formed into a wide variety of shapes, including pellets, boards, blocks, granules, flakes, and the like, and in such forms may be applied in a variety of different manners to the liquid to be absorbed. The method is useful in the absorption of many types of liquids, but most importantly oil products.