Field Testing Fire Retardants to Enhance Future Wildfire Prevention Strategies

On March 4, 2025, the Faculty of Engineering, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), led by Prof. Dr. Uma Sriboonruang, Associate Dean, conducted a field trial of fire retardant substances in collaboration with General Praphat Watchanarat, Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, and his delegation.

The trial, carried out in cooperation with researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering, along with officials from the Royal Forest Department and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, took place at a demonstration plot within Khao Ito Waterfall National Forest Reserve, Prachinburi Province.

The objective was to evaluate the fire retardant’s ability to suppress and prevent forest fires, assess its environmental safety, and improve its application effectiveness.

🧪 The retardant formula—developed by KMITL’s Faculty of Engineering—combines agricultural-grade chemicals (such as ammonium sulfate and diammonium phosphate) with natural extracts, aiming for high performance, low environmental impact, and safety in real-use conditions.

The working principle:
✅ Interrupts oxygen and heat transfer, two key components of combustion
✅ Reduces flame temperature and prevents fire spread
✅ Formulated to be affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly

This collaboration underscores KMITL’s commitment to innovation for environmental protection, and paves the way toward sustainable solutions to Thailand’s wildfire challenges.

📺 Watch the full news coverage (NBT, Mar 5, 2025):
👉 YouTube – Fire Retardant Test

📸 Photos courtesy of PRD Region 7 & NBT Sakaeo

#KMITL #FacultyOfEngineering #KRIS2025 #KMITLFIGHT
#InnovationForTheEnvironment #WildfirePrevention #FireRetardant
#MinistryOfNaturalResources #ThailandSustainability #SDG13