What is FireIce?

The fire-retardant Hazleton and Mid State uses is a medium-term retardant gel, FireIce HVO-F (high visibility orange – fugitive). It is the most visible and effective aerially dropped fire chemical available on the market, and it is the only fire chemical that can be used as both a suppressant and retardant. Millions of gallons have been dropped by firefighting agencies in North America.

FireIce HVO-F allows air attack to make decisions on which tactics would work best in real-time. Using this in direct attack on the head or flank of the fire can immediately cool and prevent spreading, to use it for indirect attack: building line, protecting structures, and reinforcing natural fire breaks.

FireIce HVO-F can have line effectiveness of 2 up to 12 hours. The colorant is also timed with the effectiveness of the product if it can’t be seen from the air it is safe to assume that it is no longer effective. It has also been proven to be visible in all fuel types from timber to fine fuels.

Something I have been asked several times when talking about what I do is “how safe is the retardant you use?” FireIce HVO-F is environmentally friendly and is safe to use around sensitive aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The ingredients used break down naturally in the environment over time and with exposure to UV. It is also phosphate and ammonia-free.

It cleans up easily with water but may stain some porous surfaces (*looks out at mix tank and stones*). It also is non-corrosive and won’t break down our pumps or harm the air tankers.

To review the MSDS sheet for FireIce HCV-F click here. For more detailed information about FireIce and Gel Tech Solutions click here.