Prototype demo

How it works

When water is dumped from a water bomber or helicopter, it only comes down at the force of gravity, immediately dispersing into tiny droplets that evaporate too quickly.

Also, once you factor in wind, updrafts, and the fact that aircraft can't stop in one place to unleash water in a concentrated area where it would do the most good, it's easy to see the limits of water bombing as a means of fighting wildfires – not to mention how costly it is and dangerous to human life.

Using a nearby water source, such as a lake or river, the Cloud-Burst ejects water from the nozzles in its ring. The significant downward force of the water, which is controlled by the main pump in the control vehicle, lifts the ring into the air where it can be remotely controlled via a console also located in the vehicle.

The stream from each nozzle in the ring is practically a solid column, ensuring most of the water will reach the base of the fire without being dispersed by updrafts or wind. This makes for more effective fire extinguishing and a more efficient use of water. And since the control vehicle can remain well away from the fire, the Cloud-Burst is able to get closer to the fire than a plane or helicopter without putting lives in danger. It’s also far less expensive to maintain or replace than any aircraft.

Why it works

For every reaction, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This basic law of physics is what makes the Cloud-Burst work.

As water is forced downward out of the nozzles in the ring, an equal force is applied upward, elevating the ring.

Modern inertial guidance and computer control technologies will allow the Cloud-Burst to fly and maneuver in a stable pattern without needing the operator to continuously make adjustments, allowing them to focus on directing the Cloud-Burst ring to the fire zone in the most efficient pattern.

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Conclusion

Since aircraft can get to remote locations quickly, they will always be useful in putting out wildfires before the flames get out of control. But once wildfires are out of control, aircraft can be highly ineffective, inefficient, and dangerous.

That’s where the Cloud-Burst comes in – and it couldn’t be timelier.

Wildfires in North America are becoming more frequent and destructive. The Fort McMurray forest fire not only destroyed thousands of structures, but it is the costliest disaster in Canadian history, amounting to nearly
$4 billion dollars in damage. We also see First Nations properties under threat in northern communities every fire season.

The Cloud-Burst can help put a stop to all of it.

Simply put, the Cloud-Burst is the future of fighting forest fires and other wildfires.