Thursday, October 11, 2007

Fire gel credited with saving homes

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. (AP) Firefighters say a super-absorbing gel can save many homes that are now lost in forest fires.

The gel helps water stick to houses.

A system that quickly coats a house has been developed by a veteran Black Hills firefighter.

Gorden Sabo (SAY'-boh) says the gel system which is being marketed to fire departments in several states has proved to be reliable and has saved at least 150 homes so far this year.

State Wildland Fire Suppression Coordinator Joe Lowe (LOH) says fire gel works.

Lowe says it's not more widely used because it's not well-known and the firefighting sector is steeped in a culture that does not readily embrace new technology.

Fire engines in the Black Hills carry gel that was supplied by the state a few years ago

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