Concord demo shows new technology that fights fires with sound

A new technology inspired by NASA research uses sound instead of water or foam to put out fires could change how firefighters battle flames.

Sonic Fire Tech demonstrated the system Tuesday in Concord alongside Contra Costa County Fire officials.

During the demonstration, flames in a pan were extinguished using what the company calls infrasound waves. The low-frequency sound waves push oxygen away from the fire, cutting off the fuel source and putting out the flames.

The company’s founder previously worked as an engineer at NASA, where similar technology was developed.

“We were able to not just point and shoot like a fire extinguisher, we were able to run it through ducting like a sprinkler system,” the founder said.

The company said the technology could help protect homes without causing collateral damage and reduce reliance on water supplies.

Sonic Fire Tech is currently touring and demonstrating the system, hoping more fire departments will test it as part of research and development efforts.