FireRein backs U.S. Forest Service call for direct wildfire suppression

June 24, 2025

Wildfire suppression directive calls for faster response

FireRein has reported its full support for U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz’s 2025 Wildfire Letter of Intent, which stresses the need for direct suppression tactics to limit fire spread.

According to FireRein, the letter advises fire crews to act quickly and aggressively in suppressing wildfires to reduce exposure time and prepare for subsequent ignitions.

Chief Schultz wrote: “It is critical that we suppress fires as swiftly as possible to minimize the amount of fireline exposure and be ready for the next ignition.

“This means employing direct attack tactics when and where feasible to minimize fire size and time to containment when safe and practicable to do so.”

FireRein explained that the Forest Service’s position discourages indirect approaches, such as using retardants to contain fires while they burn out, and instead supports earlier use of suppression agents.

The Canadian company stated that the directive reflects a change in strategy that prioritizes speed and containment in both aerial and ground response methods.

FireRein highlights Eco-Gel additive as compatible with new tactics

FireRein stated that its Eco-Gel additive matches the tactical shift described in the U.S. Forest Service letter.

The company said Eco-Gel functions both as a suppressant and a retardant, allowing flexibility in deployment during wildfire events.

It added that the product has been field-tested and shown to help reduce reignition and speed up fire control, which aligns with the Forest Service’s call for quicker containment.

FireRein also reported that Eco-Gel integrates with existing firefighting tools and systems, enabling direct attack operations without requiring new infrastructure.

The manufacturer added that Eco-Gel can be applied using standard aerial or ground equipment, making it suitable for early-stage intervention.

Focus on firefighter safety and environmental health

FireRein claimed that Eco-Gel is the only non-toxic firefighting water additive currently available that addresses firefighter health concerns.

The company cited occupational data indicating that firefighters have the highest cancer rate among all professions, with a 14 percent higher likelihood of cancer-related death compared to the general population.

It stated that using a non-toxic suppressant helps reduce long-term health risks during exposure.

FireRein added that many traditional chemical-based retardants have raised concerns due to their potential environmental and health effects.

The company explained that Eco-Gel’s formulation avoids the persistent pollutants associated with some other additives currently used in wildfire management.

U.S. adoption and international market reach

FireRein stated that its Eco-Gel solution has already been adopted by several organizations across North America.

It noted that the additive has been independently verified and deployed in a range of wildfire suppression scenarios.

The company added that Eco-Gel’s scalability allows it to be used in both small-scale and large-scale operations.

FireRein also reported early traction in South American markets, where it is working with agencies and clients to adapt the product for regional needs.

It described Eco-Gel as market-ready, with support in logistics and deployment infrastructure already in place.

Certification and sustainability attributes

FireRein stated that Eco-Gel is the only 100 percent biobased fire additive certified by the USDA BioPreferred Program and UL Environment.

The company explained that its formulation uses renewable materials to achieve performance benchmarks without synthetic chemicals.

It said this bio-based structure allows users to meet sustainability goals while complying with evolving environmental standards.

FireRein added that certification supports transparency for public procurement and decision-makers evaluating alternatives to synthetic suppressants.

The company maintained that sustainability remains central to product development as wildfire seasons increase in length and severity.

FireRein backs U.S. Forest Service call for direct wildfire suppression: Summary

FireRein has supported a directive by U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz calling for faster suppression of wildfires.

The 2025 Wildfire Letter of Intent recommends early direct attack to reduce fire size and firefighter exposure.

Chief Schultz wrote that swift action is necessary to prepare for future ignitions.

FireRein stated that indirect approaches like boxing fires with retardant are no longer recommended.

The company said its Eco-Gel additive aligns with this change by offering fast suppression and prevention of reignition.

Eco-Gel is described as compatible with existing firefighting systems.

FireRein reported that the product is non-toxic and helps address firefighter cancer risks.

The company cited certification from USDA and UL for the additive’s biobased formulation.

It also stated that Eco-Gel has been deployed in North and South America.

FireRein said the product is independently tested and ready for scalable use.

Read Next

Subscribe Now

Subscribe