By: Emergent Team
Firefighting has always relied on traditional suppression methods like water, foam, and chemical extinguishers. However, in recent years, researchers and engineers have explored innovative ways to combat fires, including using sound waves to disrupt flames.
One of the most notable breakthroughs in this field came from two engineering students at George Mason University in 2015. Their work demonstrated that certain frequencies of sound waves can effectively suppress flames, sparking interest in whether acoustic fire suppression could be a viable alternative to traditional firefighting techniques.
The Sound Wave Blaster Prototype
In 2015, two George Mason University students, Viet Tran and Seth Robertson, developed a prototype device that could extinguish flames using sound waves alone. Their sound wave blaster used low-frequency acoustic waves to disrupt the combustion process, effectively cutting off the flame’s fuel source—oxygen.
The idea stemmed from acoustic engineering principles, which suggest that sound waves create vibrations that disturb the thin layer of air and fuel molecules surrounding a flame. By targeting specific frequencies—between 30 and 60 Hz—the students were able to separate oxygen from the burning surface, snuffing out fires without the use of water or chemicals.
A demonstration of their sound wave extinguisher can be seen in this video demonstration. Their invention has since sparked interest from researchers, military organizations, and fire safety experts looking for alternative suppression methods that are non-toxic, sustainable, and effective.
Previous Attempts to Use Sound to Put Out Fire
The concept of using sound waves for fire suppression is not entirely new. The U.S. military has experimented with similar technology for years.
In 2012, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funded research to explore whether sound waves could be used to put out fires in enclosed environments, such as military aircraft and submarines. The idea was that sound waves could disrupt the flame’s structure without depleting oxygen, making it a safer option for confined spaces.
DARPA’s experiments showed that sound waves could manipulate the shape of flames and disperse fuel particles, but the technique was not strong enough to suppress large fires. Despite this, the research provided valuable insight into how acoustic waves interact with fire.*
Challenges and Limitations of Sound Wave Fire Suppression
While the concept of using sound waves to extinguish flames is promising, several challenges must be addressed before it can become a widely adopted firefighting tool:
- Scalability Issues – Current sound wave extinguishers are effective on small fires, but scaling up the technology to combat large-scale structural or wildland fires remains a significant hurdle.
- Energy Requirements – Generating low-frequency sound waves powerful enough to suppress a fire requires significant energy, which could limit its feasibility in field operations.
- Environmental Factors – The effectiveness of acoustic suppression may be impacted by external factors such as wind, air density, and flame intensity, making it inconsistent in uncontrolled environments.
Despite these challenges, continued research in acoustic fire suppression could lead to improved versions of sound wave extinguishers that are more practical for real-world firefighting applications.
Other Emerging Technologies Being Used to Fight Fires
Beyond sound wave fire suppression, several emerging technologies are transforming the fire service:
- Drones – Equipped with thermal imaging cameras, drones provide real-time aerial surveillance of fire scenes, improving situational awareness for firefighters. Departments like the San Bernardino County Fire Department are testing drones in their operations.
- AI and Predictive Analytics – Artificial intelligence helps predict fire spread patterns based on weather conditions, fuel sources, and topography, allowing fire crews to take proactive measures.
- Firefighting Robots – Autonomous fire suppression robots, such as Thermite or Colossus, are designed to operate in high-risk environments where human firefighters would be exposed to extreme danger.
As technology continues to evolve, integrating sound wave fire suppression with these other innovations could enhance firefighting capabilities, reduce firefighter exposure to hazardous environments, and improve overall fire response strategies.
Innovating Fire Suppression Tactics
The use of sound waves to put out fires is a fascinating area of research with potential applications in fire suppression, military defense, and space exploration. While still in its early stages, the work of Viet Tran and Seth Robertson demonstrates that low-frequency acoustic waves can disrupt combustion and extinguish flames without using water or chemicals.
Although scalability and real-world application challenges remain, continued research into acoustic fire suppression could lead to breakthrough technologies that revolutionize firefighting methods.
For now, firefighters and researchers continue to explore new and emerging technologies, ensuring that firefighting evolves alongside scientific advancements.
At Emergent, we recognize innovation is key to enhancing firefighter safety and operational efficiency. While sound wave fire suppression is still in its early stages, it represents just one of the many ways technology is transforming the fire service. How is your department preparing for what’s next? Learn more about how Emergent is supporting fire and EMS professionals at Emergent.tech.
*More information on the military’s research into sound-based fire suppression can be found in this BBC report.
