In Russia, not only classical methods are used to combat fires, but also solutions that seem almost fantastic – from weather control to controlled explosions.
These technologies are used when the fire gets out of control and conventional means are not enough. In the material of "Pervy Tekhnichesky" – more details about them.
An aircraft that "scoops" lakes
One of the main tools remains the Be-200ChS amphibious aircraft. It is capable of taking up to 12 tons of water directly from the surface of a reservoir in just 12 seconds, without stopping. After that, the crew immediately goes for a second approach.
The discharge is performed both in one salvo and in series, which allows for targeted "covering" of fire sources. In one operation, such machines can make dozens of approaches, delivering thousands of tons of water to the fire zone, including hard-to-reach areas.
How to "call" rain over fires
Another approach is to influence clouds. With the help of pyrotechnic cartridges with silver iodide, aircraft "seed" cloud masses, provoking precipitation.
The physics of the process is simple: crystallization centers are created in the cloud, and moisture quickly begins to turn into drops or ice. One gram of reagent can trigger the precipitation of thousands of tons of water. This method is used for large-scale fires where a large-area effect is important.
Explosion against fire
When the flames spread too quickly, controlled explosions are used. With their help, mineralized strips are created – areas without combustible materials.
After that, a backfire is started, which burns everything in the path of the main fire. Upon reaching this zone, the flame loses its "fuel" and stops. This method is especially effective in forests and hard-to-reach terrain.
These technologies are used as a complement to each other. In difficult situations, it is the combination of air, water, and controlled fire that allows the spread of the elements to be stopped.
