Abstract
FIREBREAKER-2.0 is an experimental wildfire-suppression platform designed to investigate whether actively controlled near-ground airflow, combined with spatially controlled water delivery, can modify the environment through which a spreading fire advances.
Rather than relying exclusively on direct flame attack, FIREBREAKER establishes a controlled conditioning field between the suppression system and the advancing fire.
Each mobile module combines:
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high-volume directional airflow,
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controlled water delivery,
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interchangeable spray characteristics,
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thermal imaging,
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airflow measurement,
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temperature and humidity sensing,
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heat-flux measurement,
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fuel-temperature measurement,
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water-flow measurement,
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synchronized data acquisition,
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and adaptive control.
Multiple modules operate as a coordinated array.
The system continuously measures the fire-front position, propagation rate, preheating environment, heat flux, airflow and plume response. The controller adjusts airflow, water delivery, spray configuration and module participation according to the measured state.
The primary research question is:
Can controlled modification of the near-ground inflow and thermal environment ahead of a spreading fire measurably reduce fire-front propagation and fuel preheating while improving the effectiveness of water applied to the fire?
The project is designed to answer that question experimentally using controlled fuel beds, controlled wind conditions and quantitative measurements.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Caldwell, Michael Victor Mr., "FIREBREAKER-2.0 Adaptive Near-Ground Fire-Inflow Conditioning & Suppression System A distributed, sensor-guided system for modifying the aerodynamic, thermal and moisture environment immediately ahead of a spreading fire front.", Technical Disclosure Commons, (August 20, 2026)
https://www.tdcommons.org/dpubs_series/11437