Composition of the Gas-Air Mixture in the Containment and Suppression of Forest Fires with Promising Extinguishing Agents

Abstract

This paper presents experimental research findings on the gas composition of pyrolysis and combustion products of typical forest fuels (leaves, needles, twigs, a mixture of these, and timber). These experiments were performed for the combustion and application of a fire extinguishing agent to a pyrolyzing material. Water, a bischofite solution, a bentonite slurry, and a foaming agent solution were utilized. Two gas analysis systems were used, as follows: an industrial one based on CO2, CO, H2, CH4, and O2 sensors and a scientific one (a gas analyzer with H2, CH4, H2S, SO2, CO, and CO2 sensors). Fires were extinguished by using two common techniques, as follows: continuous liquid supply and cycling spraying. The comparative efficiency of applying a group of fire extinguishing agents to forest fires was estimated, taking account of liquid consumption, suppression time, and environmental pollution. A method was proposed for calculating the relative efficiency factors of fire extinguishing agents when containing and suppressing forest fires, allowing for the consumed time, resources, and anthropogenic emissions.