Startup’s concept promises to snuff out California’s wildfires with sound
Sonic Fire's suppression technology is catching the attention of California utilities, regulators and insurers looking for innovative ways to extinguish fires.
"…Remington Bixby Hotchkis thinks fighting wildfires with water in California may be so yesterday.
"The ranching family scion with roots stretching back to the 19th century San Joaquin Ranch in Orange County to the early days of oil drilling in Long Beach and a spread in the Santa Ynez Valley, is leading an innovative effort in California to commercialize a new technology that can put out fire with sound-wave energy instead of water and chemicals.
"He’s now leading commercialization efforts for an infrasound fire suppression technology in California for Ohio-based Sonic Fire Tech, which is catching the eye of electric utilities, insurers and a few homeowners in L.A. burn areas.
"The technology behind Sonic Fire is simple. To protect a house, it routes infrasound waves from a generator through ductworks that sit on the roof’s ridge and under eaves. On the ridge, the sound waves fire down the pitch to catch any fire that might start in debris in the gutters. Under the eaves, they are aimed toward the ground to suppress flames that pop up near the walls, catching bushes or branches on fire.
"The system turns on when sensors detect flames — even from a cigarette — producing a thumping sound that breaks down the oxygen that feeds a flame. No ear plugs are needed…."
https://www.ocregister.com/2026/01/05/this-startups-concept-promises-to-snuff-out-californias-wildfires-with-sound/