Addressing the Prioritization of Fire Protection: Protecting Vineyards vs. Homes with FireDome

FireDome is a private company that specializes in providing fire protection services for property owners. In recent discussions, one significant issue has come to light: should FireDome prioritize protecting California vineyards from wildfires over homes and neighborhoods? This article will explore the viability and potential pitfalls of such a system, as well as the broader context of wildfire protection.

FireDome: The Product and Its Limitations

FireDome's product is not yet fully realized. The core concept involves a projectile filled with retardant that would explode at a set height above the ground, dispersing the retardant over an area. This idea, while innovative, faces several challenges:

Control Mechanism: How would the detonation be controlled to achieve the optimum dispersal pattern? Failure Scenarios: What happens if the projectile does not detonate, leaving live ordnance in the fire area? New Fires: Could the detonation inadvertently start new fires? Deployment Speed: How can the artillery be moved quickly to where it is needed?

These are only a few of the questions that must be answered before FireDome can be considered a reliable and effective solution to wildfire protection.

Who Pays for the System?

The priority for FireDome services rests on who pays for the system. While FireDome offers fire protection services, the decision to install and maintain the service is ultimately up to the property owner, such as a vineyard owner, homeowners, city government, and other stakeholders. Currently, FireDome's website mainly features flashy computer-generated graphics, which may indicate that the service is still in its developmental stage, often referred to as vaporware.

For instance, a vineyard owner, such as those in California, might be more inclined to install FireDome if they can afford it and if it aligns with their priorities. However, city governments may need to weigh the benefits and costs of such a system, especially if it involves public spending.

The Role of Government and Water Drops

The discussion on wildfire protection extends beyond just fire prevention systems. Governments play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of wildfires. However, there is a recurring issue that needs to be addressed: the method by which water is dropped from aircraft.

Water drops from aircraft are not effective in addressing the root cause of wildfires. A classic example is the use of hot water vapor. When a square of toilet paper is placed on top of a cup containing hot water, the paper remains perfectly dry. This is because the water evaporates from the surface rather than from below. However, the concept of evaporation in the context of wildfires can be quite different:

Hot Hydrogen Atoms: When hot hydrogen atoms are released on or near asphalt roofing, they are attracted to the material and cause the structure to burn from the top down. Massive Consequences: This process can lead to the rapid burning of multiple buildings, as repeatedly applying this principle can have significant and detrimental effects on woodland and housing developments.

Evaporation, often seen as a natural and harmless process, can have devastating effects when applied atop hot surfaces in a built environment. The centuries-old notion that evaporation merely puts water vapor into the air, if not proven, needs to be re-evaluated. The definition of insanity indeed applies here: doing the same thing repeatedly while expecting different results.

Addressing these issues will require a comprehensive approach that includes not only the implementation of advanced fire protection systems but also the reform of wildfire management strategies.