Method of extinguishing fires

Abstract

A method for subduing a fire ( 70 ) is disclosed. This method is performed by operating a jet turbine ( 20 ), having an exhaust ( 22 ), to direct the exhaust ( 22 ) into a moving front of the fire ( 72 ), generally against the movement of the front of the fire ( 72 ). A retardant ( 30 ), preferably dust, is directed from a supply tank ( 40 ) into the exhaust ( 22 ), through a pressurized conduit ( 42 ). Alternately, dust or other material ( 32 ) is lifted from the land around the fire ( 70 ) and blown into the fire ( 70 ), extinguishing the fire ( 70 ) or decreasing its intensity. To completely extinguish the fire ( 70 ), it may be necessary to further douse the fire with either or both water and a second retardant.

1 . A method for subduing a fire comprising the steps of: 
 moving a vehicle supporting a jet engine to a location in front of the fire;    operating the jet turbine to draw surrounding, ambient air therein and therethrough to form an exhaust;    directing the exhaust either directly at or in front of the front wall of the flames of the fire, and not above the fire;    stabilizing the vehicle and jet engine by countering the exhaust of the jet engine with an adjustable counterbalancing mechanism separate and independent from the turbine and secured to the vehicle that optionally changes the center of mass of the vehicle; and,    forcing pressurized generally inert particulate under pressure into the exhaust of the turbine from a separate retardant supply tank, the particulate generally not reacting with foliage or animals if left in place after subduing the fire.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the dust is selected from the group consisting of: granite dust, limestone dust, and fine sand.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of introducing a first retardant includes forcing pressurized generally inert particulate under pressure into the exhaust of the turbine from a separate retardant supply tank into the exhaust.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the first retardant is directed into the exhaust through a pressurized conduit having an opening proximate the exhaust.  
   
   
       5 . A method for subduing a fire comprising the steps of: 
 moving a vehicle supporting a jet engine to a location in front of the fire;    operating the jet turbine drawing surrounding, ambient air therein and therethrough to form an exhaust;    directing the exhaust into a moving front wall of the fire, generally against the movement of the front wall of the fire;    stabilizing the vehicle and jet engine by countering the exhaust of the jet engine with an adjustable counterbalancing mechanism separate and independent from the engine and secured to the vehicle that optionally changes the center of mass of the vehicle;    forcing generally inert particulate under pressure into the exhaust of the turbine from a separate retardant supply tank, the particulate generally not reacting with foliage or animals if left in place after subduing the fire; and,    dousing the fire with either or both water and a retardant.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the dust is selected from the group consisting of: granite dust, limestone dust, and fine sand, the fire is a forest or brush fire and the retardant is a chemical flame retardant, and the dust is directed into the exhaust through a pressurized conduit having an opening proximate the exhaust.  
   
   
       7 . A method for subduing a fire comprising the steps of: 
 moving a vehicle supporting a turbine to a location in front of the fire;    operating the turbine to draw surrounding, ambient air therein and therethrough to form an exhaust;    directing exhaust of the turbine into an area just in front of a front wall of the fire to dislodge material from land near the fire causing the dislodged material to disperse into the fire; and,    stabilizing the vehicle and turbine by countering the exhaust of the turbine with an adjustable counterbalancing mechanism separate and independent from the turbine and secured to the vehicle that optionally changes the center of mass of the vehicle.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the front wall of the fire is a moving front of the fire and the exhaust is directed generally against the movement of the front wall of the fire.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the material is dust and the turbine is a jet turbine.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7  further including the step of dousing the fire with either or both water and a retardant.  
   
   
       11 . An apparatus for subduing a fire comprising: 
 a vehicle;    a turbine affixed to the vehicle having an exhaust;    a generally inert particulate forced under pressure into the exhaust from a separate retardant supply tank, the particulate generally not reacting with foliage or animals if left in place after subduing the fire; and,    an adjustable counterbalancing mechanism separate and independent from the turbine and affixed to the vehicle to counteract the force of the exhaust and stabilize the vehicle and the jet engine by optionally changing the center of mass of the vehicle.