The recent wildfires in the Amazon rainforest have once again brought to the fore one of the greatest environmental disasters, a problem that will be exacerbated by global warming. Therefore, the state has allocated considerable resources, Technology to fight wildfiresAt the same time, preventive measures such as cleaning up forests will be implemented. But despite all these efforts, wildfires are becoming a serious problem year after year. Stanford University has now developed another technological effort to improve the measure of success. Flame retardants are now used to prevent the spread of fire. The problem is that they usually contain toxic compounds and lose their efficiency over time, often within an hour.Instead, the researchers harmless substance in gel form It can be sprayed over a wide area in forests with a high risk of wildfires.this New technology Being biodegradable, it can technically maintain its efficiency for months without affecting local flora and fauna.
of Flame-retardant gel to prevent wildfires They developed a cellulose-based liquid that is compatible with current spray machines and has already proven its worth in tests conducted in California, a wildfire-prone region. There, the researchers were able to prove that the gel remained flame-retardant even after heavy rains. this video It shows substances that act and their possibilities. fire prevention. Nevertheless, further tests need to be performed to assess the environmental impact before being put on the market. If approved, it could be a powerful ally against wildfires, for use in large wooded areas or to build temporary firewalls before hot weather arrives.
Big data, digital firefighters
Fires are a threat even in urban environments, requiring a rapid response by firefighters not only in areas close to forests, but also within large cities. That’s the situation in Los Angeles (USA). There the fire department is testing new software created by her WiFire Lab, a lab at the San Diego Supercomputer Center.of technology projectAnalysis, called FireMap large amount of data Information obtained from a variety of sources, such as topography, types of materials in the area, and weather conditions.
Now, whenever a fire is recorded in the city, the software performs an initial analysis that can predict the speed and trajectory of the flame. This can be done in minutes, whereas traditional analysis required hours, not to mention too long to design an intervention. Thus, in the aftermath of the devastating fires that raged across the state last summer, Los Angeles firefighters are using whatever means they can. technology I can afford it.
sauce: gizmodo, new york times
