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Forestry 1963 36(1):91-108; doi:10.1093/forestry/36.1.91
© 1963 by Institute of Chartered Foresters
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Chemical Aids in Forest Fire Control

C. A. CONNELL and G. D. HOLMES

Forestry Commission

Progress in development of chemical aids in suppressing and retarding forest fires and in drying vegetation to facilitate controlled burning is reviewed briefly. The main part of the paper describes exploratory trials in 1958–61, using a range of fire-retardant compounds for control of grass and heath fires. All chemicals tested were markedly superior to plain water in checking fire spread. Ammonium phosphate solution, and ‘viscous water’ prepared using sodium alginate, were the most promising retardants tested, the latter being the more effective on heavier fuels such as heather and gorse. The costs and mechanics of use are discussed. Subject to operational trials, it is concluded that these chemicals could be of practical value in checking the front and hottest parts of vegetation fires. Recent trials suggest that herbicides, of those tested notably Paraquat, may be used to desiccate grass vegetation to permit safe and rapid controlled burning during summer months.


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