Thermo Gel Review

Thermo-Gel Used By Firefighters and Homeowners for Fire Suppression and Protection

Thermo-Gel is a United States Forest Service-approved fire retardant that both firefighters and homeowners can use for fire suppression and structure and exposure protection during wildfires, urban interface fires, and controlled burns, as well as in aerial firefighting applications. Firefighters also use it to create defensible perimeters and wet lines. Manufactured by Thermo Technologies, a North Dakota-based company, this product has been credited with saving many homes and properties.

Thermo-Gel is a gel concentrate that transforms into a Class A fire retardant gel once water is added to it. According to Sharon Torrence, a Gel Tech Specialist, "The gel is super absorbent polymers, a little mineral oil, and some surfactants." Demonstrating the effectiveness of the product, Torrence applies a direct flame of 2000 degrees to a piece of wood, and despite the intense heat of the flame, the treated wood does not catch fire. She explains that Thermo-Gel will last for several hours, unlike water or foam, and so homeowners or firefighters can apply this to buildings and vegetation in areas threatened by fire and leave the scene until it is safer to approach.

How Firefighters Use Thermo-Gel

Thermo-Gel sticks to all vertical surfaces, including glass, wood, and metal. In order to apply it, fire departments can purchase Thermo-Gel's FireDos system, a water-driven proportioner that can be easily installed in any piece of fire apparatus. There are no electronics involved in this system, and so its ease of use and easy installation are making it a popular choice among firefighters. In addition to its use with Thermo-Gel, the FireDos system is also capable of proportioning Class A and Class B foams and gels.

Firefighters are also using Thermo-Gel in their aerial firefighting operations. It can be used by rotor and fixed wing aircraft, and can either be used to suppress wildfires quickly or to provide a gelled water barrier to prevent he spread of wildfires. With the addition of red or blue colorants Thermo-Gel can be seen by pilots at altitudes of 2500 feet and more.

How Homeowners Use Thermo-Gel

Homeowners are able to apply it to their property as well, as Thermo Technologies also offers consumers the Thermo-Gel Homeowner Fire Protection Kit, which consists of four-one gallon tanks of Thermo-Gel concentrate and a garden hose applicator. Homeowners can easily attach the containers of concentrate and spray their homes and surrounding vegetation with their garden hose. Each container covers 1000 square feet of surface area, and the entire kit will protect 4000 square feet.

Thermo-Gel is Environmentally Friendly

Thermo-Gel is sunlight degradable and non-toxic. It is USDA-approved and has passed all mammalian and aquatic toxicity tests, making it environmentally friendly. It is also safe to apply to all types of vegetation. To remove it, property owners merely have to rinse the surfaces it has been applied to with water and the sun will remove the rest.

Ordering Information

For more information about Thermo-Gel and Thermo Technologies' other fire retardant products, including ordering information, please visit www.thermo-gel.com.