Due to climate change, temperatures are rising across the USA and this has been sharply felt in the upsurge in forest fires. Given the inherent danger that firefighting poses, many are reluctant to enter the profession, and the LA Times report that firefighter levels are insufficient as they head into peak fire season. While trained firefighters cannot be created out of nowhere, what can help is the industrial technology utilized in the process of quelling fires. With stability being in the best interests of industry, several high-tech innovations from industrial business leaders are helping to plug the gap.
Providing new angles
The ferocity and strength of many modern fires has created a challenge for industrial business leaders to take on when it comes to designing logistical equipment. According to The Independent, flames canoften reach up to 300 foot high, something which older equipment is not equipped for. Logistical equipment industry leaders Kardie Equipment have reiterated this viewpoint, and have noted the production of equipment by manufacturers that imparts a far greater range. This is only possible through new design standards and manufacturing innovation, and is helping to provide an extra advantage in disaster areas.
Taking to the air
Industry is also providing invaluable help to firefighting efforts through aircraft innovation and production. California has most recently acquired Black Hawk helicopters to tackle the forest fires in the state. While these variants of aircraft have been around for a very long time, industrial business has innovated to make them suitable for the firefighting service. Of note is the ability to fly at night, and vastly increased storage holds for distributing the dearly required water.
Along with these helicopters are new and more powerful aircraft that will help by providing a greater volume of water for tackling blazes. Again, industrial business has found a way to assist here, both with manufacturing and through innovations in the materials used in the plane. The naturally treacherous conditions – usually low visibility, with significant amounts of smoke that can interfere with the vehicle – require bespoke innovation and manufacturing to be effective.
Different approaches
While providing logistical support for firefighting is an objective of industry in tackling the growing levels of wildfires, the causes of these fires is arguably more of an issue that needs to be tackled. According to the Washington Post, climate change will cause businesses to lose 10% of their turnover, which for many small to medium industrial businesses will spell disaster. What can be done? Many businesses are trying to fine-tune their processes to reduce waste and cut emissions. Together with new, stricter regulation, this is likely to be the best option for long-term benefits to the firefighting sphere from big business.
Firefighting is becoming ever more important as extreme weather events shape the response required from authorities. Unable to do it on their own, industry is stepping up their responsibility in order to fill in the gaps. Primarily through clever innovation, industrial business is providing the backing needed to create an effective response.