DSS251: Update on Waste and Recycling Fires and Fire Protection Systems With Ryan Fogelman

In today’s episode of the Dust Safety Science podcast, we’re discussing an update on waste and recycling facility fires and fire protection systems. We’re doing that with Ryan Fogleman from the Fire Rover team.

What is a Fire Rover?

Ryan explained that Fire Rover is a solution designed to reduce the risk of fires. In simple terms, Fire Rover uses the internet to extinguish fires. Initially, it was a large 20x8x8 foot red container. The system includes thermal cameras, optical flame detection, data analysis, and artificial intelligence, similar to other fire protection systems. However, Fire Rover is unique because it almost never triggers false alarms, a common issue with other systems.

The key to Fire Rover’s effectiveness is the human element. A Fire Rover agent monitors potential fire indicators such as smoke, heat irregularities, flashes, or explosions. Upon detecting these signs, the agent can activate the unit. This unit, powered by nitrogen, has evolved over time. For example, Ryan recently completed a project for a large battery recycling facility, installing 104 cameras, 57 nozzles, and a 250,000-gallon tank, all part of a continuous flow system. This system has become the primary fire protection method, complying with NFPA standards.

The agent, after verifying a fire threat, charges the unit with an eco-friendly wetting agent and water. They can then remotely target and extinguish the fire, operating the system like a gun through the internet. This approach is especially effective for complex fires, like those involving lithium-ion batteries, where the strategy involves targeting the surrounding area. Over the years, Fire Rover has refined its practices based on experience. Essentially, the system is designed to identify and react to any abnormality that could indicate a fire, a capability beyond the reach of most other fire systems.

Ryan stated that their fire suppression systems are versatile and tailored to specific needs.

“They primarily use either fluorine-free foams or a product known as PhD, which is an NFPA 18 encapsulated agent. In some cases, they simply use water. The choice of the fire suppression material depends on the unique setup of each system and the specific hazards it is designed to address. Some systems might even use gel, emphasizing the adaptability of their approach to fire suppression.”

How Are Things Going With Waste and Recycling?

Ryan recently published an article discussing the evolution of his work in fire safety within the waste and recycling industry. He began compiling a report on fires in waste and recycling facilities in 2015. By 2018, Ryan had identified lithium-ion batteries as a significant fire risk in this industry.

He observed that the waste and recycling industry is diverse, affecting various sectors differently. This includes scrap metal facilities, construction, demolition, and curbside recycling. A key focus is on reducing landfill waste by turning it into reusable commodities. The industry faces unique challenges in managing fire risks, especially with the increase of lithium-ion batteries.

Ryan also mentioned the subset of the industry that deals specifically with electronic recycling, like facilities that only recycle batteries. He referred to a significant project they recently launched, a massive continuous flow solution designed to address these specific fire safety challenges.

There are various challenges faced by the scrap metal industry, particularly regarding lithium-ion batteries. These batteries often end up in scrap yards when cars are processed, which can be hazardous. Extracting items like batteries from scrapped cars is risky due to potential dangers like drug needles. As a result, lithium-ion batteries often remain in the scrap piles, increasing the risk of fires.

Ryan is optimistic that the widespread use of the Fire Rover system in waste and recycling facilities, especially the larger ones, will lead to fewer reported fires. He plans to publish his seventh annual fire safety report, which he shares on LinkedIn and through a fire safety report subscription with over 9,000 followers. He encourages people to follow him for more information and access to his numerous articles on fire safety topics.

Ryan added that he is involved in developing a variety of fire safety solutions for different industries. He’s currently working on a fire watch solution for a large paper company. One of their products, called On Watch, is designed to monitor landfill facings. Landfill fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish, mainly because they often go unnoticed for extended periods, like over a weekend. However, On Watch, a solar-powered unit placed about 350 feet from the landfill face, can detect fires early, allowing for quicker response and easier containment.

Ryan views Fire Rover as a comprehensive protective solution, likening it to a bodyguard that safeguards against various hazards, including explosions and dust risks. The system is adaptable and has been used in diverse settings like airplane hangars, outdoor chemical storage yards, and paper mills. They’ve even developed a new 40-foot high unit that operates on water and can replace standard water towers at industrial sites.

While Fire Rover has become particularly associated with the waste and recycling sector, Ryan emphasizes that their technology is not limited to this area. The waste and recycling industry had a pressing need for such a solution, which allowed them to gather significant data. This data is shared on their YouTube page, where viewers can get a detailed understanding of the incidents and the technology’s effectiveness. Ryan is committed to engaging with his audience, responding to comments, and explaining the intricacies of their operations to those who are interested.

How Do We Educate the Community on the Risk?

Ryan believes it’s crucial for facilities to consult with experts before construction begins, as this is when significant cost savings and effective fire protection strategies can be implemented. While he acknowledges the usefulness of sprinklers in certain situations, he advocates for their system, which incorporates thermal cameras, optical flame detectors, and other technologies. An FM study showed that their system could extinguish fires using 92% less water compared to traditional methods.

Ryan’s approach emphasizes early detection and response, which he sees as the future of fire protection, especially in the waste and recycling sector. While education about fire hazards is important, Ryan notes that batteries aren’t the only cause of fires, indicating the ongoing need for innovative fire protection solutions like Fire Rover.

Conclusion

From the start, Ryan faced skepticism about his approach to revolutionizing fire fighting techniques. Traditional methods have always emphasized the use of water, but he has been advocating for early detection and targeted suppression techniques. Specifically, when dealing with lithium-ion batteries, his focus is not just on extinguishing fires but on preventing chain reactions by protecting surrounding areas.

He is confident that in 50 years, the methods he champions will become the norm in fire fighting. He has reservations about the effectiveness of AI systems in fire detection and suppression, as they often lack the ability to discern critical details like differentiating between a fire and a person. Ryan believes that human oversight is essential for the success of these systems.He sees his team as the reliable support that allows people to sleep peacefully, knowing that their fire risks are being managed effectively.

If you would like to discuss further, leave your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also reach Ryan Fogelman directly:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjayfogelman/
Website: https://firerover.com/

If you have questions about the contents of this or any other podcast episode, you can go to our ‘Questions from the Community’ page and submit a text message or video recording. We will then bring someone on to answer these questions in a future episode.