wildland fire chemicals

Since 1962, the Wildland Fire Chemicals Lab has provided quality control and field support for wildland fire chemicals. This National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) evaluates wildland fire chemical products in accordance with specifications and recommends whether a product should be added to the Qualified Product List (QPL). Evaluation results of products listed on the QPL and guidance on using these wildland fire chemicals are produced by NTDP. International, federal, and state agencies only purchase products that are listed on the QPL. Once used in the field, these products are then continuously monitored by NTDP through the Lot Acceptance and Quality Assurance (LAQA) program. Inquiries and issues with any wildland fire chemical product used in the field are investigated by NTDP. As knowledge of wildfires and the chemical tools used in the field continues to grow and change, the program works to continue to uphold and adapt standards to advise firefighters, agencies, and the public.

What are wildland fire chemicals?

There are currently four types of wildland fire chemicals on the QPL.

Long-term retardants and pre-treatment retardants contain retardant salts (typically fertilizers) that alter the way the fire burns, decreasing the fire intensity and slowing the advance of the fire, even after the water they originally contained has evaporated. Because long-term retardants continue to work after the water they contain has evaporated and continue to work for days or weeks until they are removed by rain or erosion, they are well suited for indirect and line building. The water they contain when applied serves primarily to aid in uniform dispersal of the chemical over the target area. These products can be used for direct attack, but they are only marginally more effective than water for this use.

Foams contain foaming and wetting agents like those found in dishwashing detergents and other cleaners. Foams depend on the water they contain to suppress the fire. Once the water has evaporated there is no effectiveness. This property makes them most effective for direct attack and mop up. Only Class A foams are used on wildland fires.

Water enhancers or gels contain ingredients designed to alter the physical characteristics of water to increase effectiveness, accuracy of a drop, or adhesion to fuels. They also improve the ability of water to cling to vertical and smooth surfaces. Water enhancers depend on the water they contain to suppress the fire. Once the water has evaporated there is no effectiveness. This makes them well suited for direct attack or short-duration indirect attack.