Researchers designed a new gel that can prevent wildfires

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Scientists at Stanford University have developed this new hydrogel that can last through light rains and other weather. The gels main components are cellulose polymers (derived from plant material) and colloidal silica particles. The gel is water based and when sprayed on vegetation, it can prevent plants from catching fire, for months. It can also be used along power lines, which are what caused last years fire in Paradise, California

Normally, firefighters will drop fire retardants out of planes while there is a fire happening. This gel was created to prevent fires from starting. Researchers tested the gel by spreading it on grass and then lighting a fire. What happened next? The fire immediately put itself out. 

The technology has been tested among researchers and fire fighters. What started just as a research study turned into a startup, Ladera Tech. The company hopes to use the gel along power lines in areas with the highest fire risk. Ladera Tech has developed 3 products all relating to fire protection. Their fire retardant is EPA approved and would only need to be sprayed once a season to be effective.