Retardant Gel: An Additional Layer of Wildfire Protection
As wildfire risks continue to impact communities across the country, homeowners and fire response professionals are increasingly exploring supplemental fire protection measures such as retardant gel products. These products are designed to assist with wildfire preparedness by creating a temporary protective barrier on vulnerable surfaces.
How Retardant Gel May Help Homeowners
Retardant gel products can be applied to structures, landscaping, decks, fences and other exterior surfaces that may be exposed to radiant heat or airborne embers during a wildfire event. The gel is formulated to adhere to surfaces and retain moisture, which may help slow ignition and reduce fire spread under certain conditions.
These products are commonly considered as part of a broader wildfire preparedness strategy, particularly for properties located in wildfire-prone areas. Retardant gel may be applied proactively during fire season or ahead of an approaching wildfire threat as an added precautionary measure.
It is important to note that retardant gel products are intended to supplement — not replace — other wildfire mitigation efforts such as defensible space, vegetation management, and emergency evacuation planning.
Use by Fire Response Professionals
Fire response personnel and emergency crews may also utilize retardant gel products during wildfire response operations. These products can assist in protecting structures, equipment, or designated areas when used alongside standard firefighting methods and safety procedures.
Due to their ability to adhere to surfaces and temporarily resist ignition, retardant gels may provide additional support in reducing fire exposure during active wildfire conditions.ing.
At 2MCFire, we recommend products from Clore Wildfire Defense as one option homeowners may consider as part of their overall wildfire preparedness plan. According to Clore, their products are designed for seasonal structure protection and are intended to support property owners in wildfire-prone environments.
Our mission is to decrease the size of wildfires, reducing the impact to families and property. We achieve this mission by selling a fire retardant that is applied at the start of wildfire season around structures. Clore Wildfire Defense offers season long protection, allowing you to keep your home resistant from fires.
Demonstration and Product Testing
The video below demonstrates a sample field test conducted by Clore Wildfire Defense comparing treated and untreated fuel areas under similar testing conditions.
In this test, we applied our product to a 3 foot long stretch of dry fuel following the instructions on Clore Wildfire Defense. After leaving the treated area for a week, we tested our product. We then compared it to a fully untreated fuel bed in the same test conditions. The area treated with Clore Wildfire Defense was unable to burn, while the untreated area fully burned. All tests were done according to local regulations and the same exact conditions were replicated as closely as possible. Clore Wildfire Defense has been tested by StillMeadow, Inc. and showed no clinical signs of acute oral toxicity during the testing.
Wildfire Preparedness Matters
While no product can guarantee protection from wildfire damage, retardant gel may serve as an additional preparedness tool when combined with recommended wildfire mitigation practices such as:
Defensible space planning
Routine vegetation maintenance
Home hardening improvements
Emergency preparedness planning
Professional wildfire risk assessments
At 2MCFire, we believe wildfire preparedness starts with education, proactive planning and layered protection strategies. Contact us today for a Property Risk Analysis for your property.
