Abstract: A method and an apparatus for punching a piercing tool through a wall shell structure and for feeding fire-retardant medium to the object on fire. At the outermost end of the rescue boom (3), according to the invention, there is a piercing device (6) which comprises an elongated piercing tool (7) provided with at least one longitudinal channel for supplying the fire-retardant medium to the nozzles of the tool (7) and further to the object on fire. The piercing device (6) comprises an actuator for advancing the piercing tool (7) through the shell structure (8) by a longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A biodegradable, non-toxic firefighting concentrate composition. The preferred compositions include a mixture of a C14-C18 5 mole ethoxylated tallow amine, 2 mole ethoxylated coconut amine, and 5 mole ethoxylated coconut amine, wherein the blend is neutralized with a C6 carboxylic acid; an aliquot of 33 parts is added to 3 parts of a 2 mole ethoxylated linear alcohol having 6 to 16 carbon atoms, and enough water to bring the total weight percentage to 70%. Ten to fifteen parts of sodium lauryl sulfate is added and the balance of water is added to bring the total up to 100%. The composition is also effective when mixed with glycol dimethyl ether, the incorporation of a filming protein based agent, dye, or foam forming materials. In addition, the composition is useful with soil bacteria for remediating soil contaminated with hydrocarbon fuel and for facilitating fuel dispersion and degradation within bacterial-action sewage systems.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing and fire retarding method is provided comprising the step of confining a fire extinguishing and fire retarding agent in slurry, liquid or gaseous form within a shell wherein the shell comprises such an agent in solid form. An agent such as ice water, or liquid carbon dioxide is useful when employing the shell as “non-lethal” device. The solid shell is sublimable and will burst upon impact or upon exposure to the environmental conditions at the target site to release the contents of the shell as well as the fragments of the shell onto the target site.

Abstract: A method for subduing a fire (70) is disclosed. This method is performed by operating a jet turbine (20), having an exhaust (22), to direct the exhaust (22) into a moving front of the fire (72), generally against the movement of the front of the fire (72). A retardant (30), preferably dust, is directed from a supply tank (40) into the exhaust (22), through a pressurized conduit (42). Alternately, dust or other material (32) is lifted from the land around the fire (70) and blown into the fire (70), extinguishing the fire (70) or decreasing its intensity. To completely extinguish the fire (70), it may be necessary to further douse the fire with either or both water and a second retardant.

Abstract: A rocket propelled textile and cordage net fire extinguishing system is deployed from a platform at a safe standoff distance from a fire. The rocket propelled matrix-like net flies over, lands on, and drapes over the burning site. A detonating means, or detonating network on the net is actuated to rupture spaced-apart canisters on the net that are filled with halon and/or other fire extinguishing compounds. The detonating network quickly disperses the fire extinguishing compounds to engulf and extinguish the fire safely and efficiently without unduly exposing fire fighters to danger. The net fire extinguisher system can extinguish fires aboard a maritime vessel, particularly when the burning craft cannot be safely boarded or burns so fiercely that it cannot be approached closely. The net fire extinguisher system can combat highly dangerous fires including chemical and oil fires, (oil rig fires) on land and at sea.

Abstract: The invention is a fire protection system and method to protect a building against airplane fuel fires. The components of the fire protection system include a central annunciator panel, a supply line network tied into a plurality of fire retardant reservoirs to transmit extinguishing material throughout the fire protection system, an exhaust system to expel harmful smoke and fumes coming from an airplane fuel fire and a standpipe system with a fire hose to extinguish localized airplane fuel fires. The fire protection system can also be controlled either by personal computer or microprocessor.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for punching a piercing tool through a wall shell structure and for feeding fire-retardant medium to the object on fire. At the outermost end of the rescue boom (3), according to the invention, there is a piercing device (6) which comprises an elongated piercing tool (7) provided with at least one longitudinal channel for supplying the fire-retardant medium to the nozzles of the tool (7) and further to the object on fire. The piercing device (6) comprises an actuator for advancing the piercing tool (7) through the shell structure (8) by a longitudinal movement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a textile fabric. This fabric is particularly well suited for use as the outer shell fabric of a firefighter's garment. The fabric is a woven fabric of spun yarns and multi-filament yarns. The spun yarn includes a first staple being a polymer selected from the group consisting of PBI or PBO or melamine formaldehyde, and a second staple being an aramid polymer. The multi-filament yarn includes an aramid filament.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for instrumentation of a firefighter's vari-nozzle for motion tracking and measurement of pattern selector and bail handle positions. In the embodiment presented here, brackets and associated hardware attach (1) a position tracking device to the nozzle to measure its 6-DOF (Degrees of Freedom) position and orientation, and (2) potentiometers to measure the angular positions of the two main, moving components (the bail handle and the pattern selector) of the nozzle. The mounts are attached to the brass nozzle with holes drilled into the main body of the nozzle. One application of this instrumentation is control of an augmented reality or virtual reality water stream, or other extinguishing agent. The electronic signals from potentiometers in the instrumentation permit a computer to calculate and display graphical representations of water flow from the nozzle for virtual reality and augmented reality applications.

Abstract: A portable apparatus and method for dispensing fire retardant or other materials into relatively inaccessible areas. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for releasing an extinguishing agent on a fire that is burning under the hood of a vehicle or behind a wall or other barrier separating the fire from the firefighter or for dispensing other materials in like situations. The apparatus includes a tank and a nozzle rigidly attached to the tank. The attachment may be either separable by securing the nozzle to a jacket that fits around the tank, or integral by welding the nozzle to the tank. The tank, which conveniently may be the tank of a standard portable fire extinguisher, contains a fluent fire retardant, or other fluent material, and has an outlet through which the material can be dispensed. The nozzle extends from the tank and provides a penetrating end, a fluid-conducting passageway having an outlet opening through the penetrating end, and an inlet connected to the outlet of the tank.

Abstract: An improved fire-fighting device designed to allow variable positioning of a quenching agent dispensing point. The fire-fighting device also allows high quenching agent flow rates. The device uses an articulable boom arrangement and solid pipeline to achieve these advantages.

Abstract: Deflagration suppression and explosion isolation system (10) is provided for contained hazardous material. Containment structure (12) for a highly flammable, particulate or gaseous material is connected by a conduit (16) to an area (14) for collection or processing of the material. Normally, the particulate gaseous material is conveyed via the conduit (16) to the collection or processing area (14). However, the conduit is of a length and configuration such that upon unforeseen ignition of the material in the containment structure (12), flame and combustion generated pressure resulting from the incipient explosion in the containment structure can course along the conduit (16) connected thereto toward the collection or processing area (14) in the form of a deflagration front that transitions into a detonation stage before reaching the collection or processing area unless adequately suppressed and isolated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preventing the ignition of molten magnesium by contacting the molten magnesium with a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for extinguishing or controlling a fire. The system has a source of a substance which is usable to extinguish a fire in a prescribed area, a control system, and an activation system. The control system has (a) a first state in which the substance from the source is prevented from being released to the prescribed area and (b) a second state wherein the substance from the source is permitted to be released to the prescribed area to extinguish or control a fire at or adjacent to the prescribed area. The activation system has a first ignition element which ignites in response to exposure to at least one of (a) a flame, (b) heat above a predetermined temperature, and (c) a product of combustion. The control system is changeable from the first state into the second state an incident of the first ignition element being ignited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for distributing liquid media, in particular extinguishing fluids for fighting fires, in the form of a mist or a stream of large droplets from a supply line which is maintained at a constant low-pressure, in rooms, for example in living spaces and recreation rooms, or similar. The aim of the invention is to provide a method and a device of the aforementioned type which can be used to produce a fine mist of small droplets and a jet spray of large droplets at separate moments, at approximately the same operating pressure of the extinguishing fluid, depending on the outbreak and the development of the fire, whilst at the same time minimising water consumption, reducing water damage caused during a fire and increasing cost-effectiveness, by creating a modular system which can be universally installed.

Abstract: A variety of uses and compositions composed of a recycled paper by-product material formed during the processing of recycled paper and/or its ash residue are disclosed. The by-product, ash residue and/or compositions include them can be used as an absorbent, a fire retarder, a loss circulation additive, a proppant, a fire fighting agent, a temporary landfill agent, a filler for composites, a drilling fluid additive, a concrete moisture retention agent, a soil conditioner, a soil additive, a slow release plant food, or the like and to method for using the compositions.

Abstract: The method of extinguishing a fire characterized by production of flames openly rising above an upwardly presented liquid fat or grease zone, in a fryer, the fat or grease being combustible to produce the fire, the steps that include locating a mist forming nozzle to direct mist toward the flames, delivering essentially pure water under pressure to the nozzle so that the nozzle forms a jet stream of water mist delivered from the nozzle as a rapid and expanding flow of concentrated mist and directing said mist stream into the flames to substantially encompass the flames, and to flow toward the fat or grease zone, and for a sufficient time to extinguish the flames and to lower the temperature of the surface of the fat or grease zone to a level below combustion temperature.

Abstract: Fires in tanks storing combustible liquids are treated by introducing a fire extinguishing media comprising frozen projectiles onto the surface of the burning liquid. The media is applied across the surface of the burning fluid to extinguish the fire and prevent its re-ignition.

Abstract: Fire extinguishing compositions and methods for extinguishing, controlling, or preventing fires are described wherein the extinguishing agent is a fluorinated ketone having up to two hydrogen atoms, alone, or in admixture with a co-extinguishing agent selected from hydrofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, perfluoropolyethers, hydrofluoroethers, hydrofluoropolyethers, chlorofluorocarbons, bromofluorocarbons, bromochlorofluorocarbons, iodofluorocarbons, hydrobromofluorocarbons, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention contributes a novel device and method of controlling fire growth by diverting the heat release site from the flame zone to an easily extinguishable catalytic surface. The invention introduces a screen or mesh having a catalytic coating into a flame and causes severe flame instability. The catalytic surface of the screen has a significantly lower activation energy than the flame zone. Therefore, upon insertion of the catalytic screen into the flame plume, the heat release site transitions from the flame zone to the catalytic screen, and the glowing surface of the screen replaces the violent fire plume above a burning object. Because the glowing surface is less violent and combustion occurs at a much lower temperature, the fire is prevented from propagating to nearby structures. Further, without the strong buoyancy forces of hot gases rising upward and flame being augmented by crosswinds, the glowing surface of the catalytic screen is readily extinguished.

Abstract: The method of extinguishing a fire characterized by production of flames openly rising above an upwardly presented liquid fat or grease zone, in a fryer, the fat or grease being combustible to produce the fire, the steps that include locating a mist forming nozzle to direct mist toward the flames, delivering essentially pure water under pressure to the nozzle so that the nozzle forms a jet stream of water mist delivered from the nozzle as a rapid and expanding flow of concentrated mist and directing said mist stream into the flames to substantially encompass the flames, and to flow toward the fat or grease zone, and for a sufficient time to extinguish the flames and to lower the temperature of the surface of the fat or grease zone to a level below combustion temperature.

Abstract: A method for suppressing dissemination of dust from a pile of dust-producing bulk material, such as a pile of petroleum coke. The pile has a surface. The method comprises placing a sprayer apparatus on the pile, and discharging a liquid from the sprayer in a manner to distribute the liquid to at least an area of the surface of the pile.

Abstract: A set of fluoroalkylphosphorus agents for extinguishment of fires, suppression of explosions, and inertion against fires and explosions is disclosed. Specifically disclosed are agents based on fluoroalkyl esters of phosphorus-containing acids.

Abstract: Fire flooding and extinguishing agents and detoxifiers which are environmentally safe and non-toxic in both natural form and in fire exposed degraded forms are disclosed. The flooding and streaming-type fire extinguishing agents are rich in low boiling, unsaturated fluorocarbon compounds having low liquid viscosities, and low boiling alkenes as detoxifying agents. The detoxifiers are conjugated double bond hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for extinguishing a fire, using an inert gas in its liquid phase as the fire extinguishing agent. The extinguishing agent must be a clean agent so it must not be electrically conductive and it must not leave any post evaporation residue. The extinguishing agent possesses properties that make the agent the capable of extinguishing fires. Also, the process does not have any effects that are harmful to the environment.

Abstract: A reservoir of super absorbent polymers which can be independently pressurized, remotely stored and a supply of water which is admixed with the SAP at a point closely adjacent of an adjustable nozzle. In one embodiment the system involves a home unit with a portable hand carried reservoir which can be pressurized. Yet another system involves a back pack carried by a homeowner or firefighter for spraying which can be pressurized. Yet another embodiment involves a reservoir which can be independently pressurized with a pump so that any reduction in the water pressure in a tap line can be overcome by the SAP auxiliary pressure delivery. Other embodiments relate to a portable unit containing both the water reservoir and the SAP reservoir to the end that it is self-contained, and the admixing can be a function of wherever the homeowner, firefighter or rescue person should don the equipment.

Abstract: In a sprinkler system for warehouse freezers or other cold environments, a sprinkler system piping connected to a water supply through a check valve and extends through a freezing cold environment to sprinkler heads positioned to discharge extinguishant. The sprinkler system piping within the cold environment is filled with a solution of potassium lactate. When a fire occurs causing one or more of the sprinkler heads to be activated, the sprinkler heads will discharge the potassium lactate onto the fire. This action will reduce the pressure in the sprinkler system piping bellow that of the water supply so that water flows from the water supply through the sprinkler system piping through the activated sprinkler heads to be discharged upon the fire.

Abstract: A fire fighting system comprising a set of unmanned, aircraft, fire detection subsystems; a set of launch-on-need, unmanned aircraft, fire suppression subsystems; and a manned, central, robotic vehicle flight control and monitoring station. When deployed, the robotic survey vehicles continuously patrol the wildland so that fires can be detected when they first start. The robotic extinguisher vehicles, which contain fire suppressant or extinguisher are deployed on rocket assist or other automated take-off launchers at critical locations throughout the wildland. The pilot at the central monitoring station controls the flight path of the survey vehicles and continuously receives video and fire scan information from them. Upon detection of a fire signal, its position is determined via use of a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) system and permission is sought from the applicable security agency to launch an extinguisher vehicle.

Abstract: Fire flooding and extinguishing agents and detoxifiers which are environmentally safe and non-toxic in both natural form and in fire exposed degraded forms are disclosed. The flooding and streaming-type fire extinguishing agents are rich in low boiling, unsaturated halocarbon compounds having low liquid viscosities, and low boiling alkenes as detoxifying agents. The detoxifiers are conjugated double bond hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing and fire retarding method is provided comprising the step of confining a fire extinguishing and fire retarding agent in slurry, liquid or gaseous form within a shell wherein the shell comprises such an agent in solid form. An agent such as ice water, or liquid carbon dioxide is useful when employing the shell as “non-lethal” device. The solid shell is sublimable and will burst upon impact or upon exposure to the environmental conditions at the target site to release the contents of the shell as well as the fragments of the shell onto the target site.

Abstract: A method for suppressing a fire at a burning material comprising delivering to said burning material (a) an inert gas and (b) a gaseous compound selected from the group consisting of a hydrofluorocarbon, an iodofluorocarbon, and a mixture thereof, gases (a) and (b) being delivered in a combined concentration sufficient to extinguish the fire.

Abstract: Fires in kitchen appliances are detected and controlled by a detection and control system that activates a fire extinguishing system when the fire is detected, terminates the supply of electricity and/or gas to the appliances, and initiates audible and visual alarms. The audible alarm can be terminated, while the visual alarm continues until the system is restored to a pre-detection state. The system includes a control circuit, and a fire detection means with a moveable member that engages a normally closed microswitch in the control circuit to open the control circuit. Relays in the control circuit change state upon opening of the control circuit to de-energize the appliance, and audible and visual alarms are activated. The audible alarm can be manually terminated. However, the visual alarm remains activated until the system is recharged and returned to the ready state.

Abstract: In the prevention of the spread of fires and for directly fighting fires, a cross-linked, water-swellable additive polymer in water/oil emulsion produced by an inverse phase polymerization reaction to be added to the firefighting water is disclosed. The additive has the properties of absorbing large quantities of water, high viscosity for adherence to vertical and horizontal surfaces, and retention of sufficient fluidity to be educted in standard firefighting equipment. The method of adding this additive to the firefighting water by eduction or by a batch addition to the water source is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fire extinguishing composition suitable for use and storage at a temperature below −1° C., said composition comprising an aqueous solution of: v) 50-60% by weight of 60% aqueous solution of potassium acetate, vi) 7-10% by weight of a 3% solution of AFFF, vii) 15-20% by weight alkylene glycol selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and viii) balance being water.

Abstract: Normally liquid, omega-hydrofluoroalkyl ether compounds (and selected mixtures thereof) have a saturated perfluoroaliphatic chain of carbon atoms interrupted by one or more ether oxygen atoms. The compounds can be prepared, e.g., by decarboxylation of the corresponding fluoroalkyl ether carboxylic acids and are useful, e.g., in cleaning and drying applications.

Abstract: The method of extinguishing a fire characterized by production of flames openly rising above an upwardly presented liquid fat or grease zone, in a fryer, the fat or grease being combustible to produce the fire, the steps that include locating a mist forming nozzle to direct mist toward the flames, delivering essentially pure water under pressure to the nozzle so that the nozzle forms a jet stream of water mist delivered form the nozzle as a rapid and expanding Oflow of concentrated mist, and directing said mist stream into the flames to substantially encompass the flames, and to flow toward the fat or grease zone, and for a sufficient time to extinguish the flames and to lower the temperature of the surface of the fat or grease zone to a level below combustion temperature.

Abstract: A device and a method for explosive quenching of fires are indicated, for example forest and area fires. The quenching device contains two flexible hoses (1, 2) disposed next to one another and transversely to the direction of risk (5), and closable at both ends, for accommodating quenching agents, and in each case an explosive (3, 4) in or on the hoses (1, 2) atomizes the quenching agent by its ignition to form a mist, which is applied to the fire. In order to achieve a directed ejection of the quenching agent in the direction of the area of risk, the pulse (I.sub.1) which emerges from the first hose (1) facing way from the area of risk is greater than the pulse (I2) emerging from the second hose (2) facing the area of risk. For differing hose diameters, dimensioning of the quantities of explosive in relation to the diameter of the associated hose is effected taking into account the density (of the quenching agent according to a formula according to the invention.

Abstract: A method for fighting wildland and forest fire and a hitch assembly is described that allows a tank of fluid to be towed by a fire tractor to a fire location especially for the purpose of spraying and creating a foam fire break line. The hitch assembly attaches to a fire tractor and uses fifth wheel plate and kingpin coupling to releasably lockingly connect a continuous track vehicle to a tank in the configuration of an over-the-road semi trailer or to the drawbar eye of a tank in the configuration of an over-the-road A-train trailer.

Abstract: A spray nozzle, especially for spraying water in fire prevention systems, has a housing in which there is a vortex chamber into which a first channel into which a first channel for supplying water opens essentially tangentially at a distance from the axis of the vortex and which has a first outlet orifice coaxial with the axis of the vortex. The spray nozzle also has a second outlet orifice arranged inside the vortex chamber so it is coaxial with the first outlet orifice and is located at the end of a second channel that is coaxial with the axis of the vortex. The second channel has an enlarged area upstream from the second outlet orifice, where the cross-sectional area at right angles to the axis of the channel increases in the direction of flow. furthermore, the cross-sectional area of the second channel at right angles to the axis of the channel does not decrease further downstream from the enlargement as seen in the direction of flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire-fighting nozzle integrated with a lighting apparatus. The lighting apparatus is integrally set within the housing of the nozzle so as to illuminate a target area at the scene of a fire without failure, thus allowing a firefighter to precisely spray water to the target area. The lighting apparatus comprises a bulb housing holding a bulb therein. An interior housing is longitudinally set within the nozzle housing, with the bulb housing being fitted into the front end of the internal housing. A connector is fixed to the inside surface of the nozzle housing at one end thereof without closing the water passage of the nozzle housing. The above connector is also assembled with the rear end of the internal housing through a screw-type engagement so as to allow the internal housing to be longitudinally positioned along the central axis within the water passage of the nozzle housing.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive container that may be a canister similar to an aerosol spray can is fixedly or pivotally mounted in inverted fashion above a cooking burner. The canister contains a particulate fire suppressant material and has a closable, downwardly-facing opening directed at the burner. A fusible or meltable material maintains a cap that covers the opening in the closed condition at all times except when a flame results from ignition of fat in a pan on the cooking burner. Upon reaching a temperature of 220 degrees F. or above, the fusible material quickly melts, enabling the cap to open, and the fire suppressant material cascades by gravity into the pan and fat, causing it to be extinguished in a matter of seconds. The cap may be guided on a member having a stop at its lower end to capture the cap and prevent it from splashing into the fat upon ejection. Alternatively, the cap may be hinged to the container and be held in place at the hinge once the container is opened.

Abstract: A fire is inerted, extinguished and suppressed, by a dual stage fire extinguisher. In a first stage, a sufficient volume percentage of an inerting agent is delivered to extinguish the fire. Once the fire is extinguished, in the second stage, a different amount of inerting agent is delivered to the fire to suppress it and prevent re-ignition. Since suppression typically requires less of the inerting agent than extinguishing, a reduction in the weight of the inerting media is achieved with the dual stage process making the system particularly amenable to aircraft applications such as in an engine nacelle or cargo dry bay.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing sprinkler nozzle includes a body defining a central channel or bore through which water flows during a fire. The sprinkler nozzle includes a fluid flow thrust reverser disposed over the orifice of the central channel such that water exiting out of the channel impinges the thrust reverser. The direction of water flow is reversed by the thrust reverser. After exiting the thrust reverser, the water impinges the impact surface of deflector disposed around the periphery of the sprinkler body. An upright sprinkler nozzle is thereby provided in which the water has a downward momentum prior to its impinging the impact surface of the deflector that is comparable to a pendent sprinkler head. The sprinkler nozzle is activated by conventional fire detecting or heat sensitive structures.

Abstract: A method and composition for extinguishing fires using a plurality of firefighting agents wherein at least one of the agents has a distinctive visual coloration when thrown in a stream in the presence of the other agents; especially including for this purpose a dry chemical agent sufficiently colored that its presence can be detected when it is thrown together in a fluid stream with fluid and or foam.

Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus that is mounted to a window sill of the floor with a fire therein. The fire fighting apparatus comprises a substantially elongated conduit having an opening on its upper end, an anchor arm mounted from the opening on the conduit and a waterway securely fastened to the conduit. A fire hose is secured to the bottom of the waterway to supply water to the fire fighting apparatus. The anchor arm comprises a horizontal portion that fits on top of the window sill of the burning floor to securely suspend the fire fighting apparatus thereon. The anchor arm has a wedge-shaped claw that may be used to break open or to pry open a shut window.

Abstract: The invention relates to flame suppression compositions including an inorganic halogen-containing component including bromine, iodine, or a mixture thereof, and an organic binder system having a heat of formation of less than about 200 cal/g, wherein the composition is solid at a temperature below 100.degree. C. and combusts at a temperature between about 160.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. to produce a plurality of reaction products capable of suppressing a flame upon application thereto and wherein substantially all the halogen is converted to a solid form after suppressing the flame.

Abstract: A set of blends for extinguishment of fires, suppression of explosions, and inertion against fires and explosions is disclosed. The blends are comprised of a bromine-containing component and a fluorine-containing component. The bromine-containing component is comprised of one or more hydrobromoalkanes, hydrobromoalkenes, and/or hydrobromoarenes. The fluorine-containing component is comprised of one or more fluorine-containing halocarbons, which may also contain chlorine. Specifically provided as fluorine-containing halocarbons are saturated and unsaturated hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, perfluoroethers, hydrofluoroethers, and/or hydrofluoropolyethers. This provides a blend that mimics the fire and explosion protection action of halons and hydrobromofluorocarbons without the environmental impact associated with these compounds, which contain bromine and fluorine in the same molecule.

Abstract: In the prevention of the spread of fires and for directly fighting fires, a cross-linked, water-swellable additive polymer in water/oil emulsion produced by an inverse phase polymerization reaction to be added to the firefighting water is disclosed. The additive has the properties of absorbing large quantities of water, high viscosity for adherence to vertical and horizontal surfaces, and retention of sufficient fluidity to be educted in standard firefighting equipment. The method of adding this additive to the firefighting water by eduction or by a batch addition to the water source is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A dual mode fire suppression system includes first and second, different, fire suppression nozzles. Each nozzle is coupled to a fire suppressing medium. A fire detector is coupled to at least one of the nozzles. The detector monitors an adjacent region, and, is insensitive to the medium associate with the coupled nozzle. In the presence of a detected first fire condition, the detector activates the coupled nozzle which releases the respective medium. The detector continues to monitor the adjacent region and in the absence of the first fire condition, the first nozzle is deactivated. In the presence of a detected second fire condition, different from the first condition, the second nozzle is activated.