Technologies addressing one of today’s critical challenges: evolving fire risks

Emerging approaches in fire suppression

Innovation in fire prevention and suppression is gaining renewed importance. New solutions are emerging to improve response times, reduce resource consumption and address increasingly complex fire dynamics.

Among these approaches, gel-based fire suppression agents are being developed to combine several mechanisms in a single intervention: creating a protective barrier against high temperatures, limiting oxygen supply, absorbing flammable substances and cooling the ignition source. Typically based on superabsorbent polymers, these materials can retain large amounts of water and form gels that adhere to surfaces, remain active for longer periods and improve coverage, even on vertical structures. This persistence helps reduce evaporation and runoff, contributing to more efficient fire control.

Applications and operational contexts

Their potential applications span from forest environments to industrial facilities, with particular relevance in lithium-related fires. These scenarios present specific challenges due to their thermal behavior, the risk of re-ignition and the high volume of resources often required for containment. In this context, gel-based agents are being explored not only as extinguishing solutions but also as preventive tools, capable of acting as firebreaks or protective barriers under extreme conditions.

To respond to different operational needs, these systems are being adapted into multiple formats, from portable units to solutions integrated into existing fire suppression infrastructure, as well as larger-scale deployments for outdoor environments. In parallel, advances in automation and monitoring are enabling earlier and more autonomous responses, particularly in high-risk or remote areas.

At the same time, validation under real conditions remains essential. Collaboration with emergency services allows these solutions to be tested in operational scenarios, while complementary developments, such as early detection systems based on artificial intelligence, long-range optics and thermal imaging, are helping to improve prevention and reduce false alarms.

A response to emerging fire risks

An example of this type of innovation is EXTINGEL®, a gel-based fire suppression agent developed in Spain, which reflects how applied science is being directed toward addressing emerging fire risks, including those associated with lithium batteries. Beyond the product itself, initiatives linked to its development also point to a broader trend: the integration of suppression technologies with detection systems and territorial deployment strategies, particularly in rural areas where response times are critical.

Based in Coreses (Zamora, Spain), this case illustrates how fire safety is evolving alongside the energy transition. The challenge is no longer confined to forests or industrial facilities, it increasingly lies within the battery itself. Addressing it will require not only new materials, but more integrated approaches that connect prevention, detection and response.