March 22, 1997- nextstep TV Program
News Release
nextstep airs "Blaze Busters"
"Blaze Busters, the Next Step in Firefighting Technology" airs on March 22, 1997, KRON-TV, Channel 4.
The next step in fighting forest fires is the FIRECAT Fire Attack Vehicle that suppresses wildfires without the use of chemicals, foam, fire retardant or water. FIRECAT attacks forest fires by cutting away the very brush that fuels the fire.
FIRECAT is wrapped in a specially coated ceramic cloth which was originally developed for the nuclear industry as well as additional protection provided by consumable endothermic materials developed by NASA for the Space Shuttle. The driver occupies a climate- controlled command module that is also protected by a Thermally Activated Fire Defense System.
FIRECAT is equipped with infrared cameras that can identify "hot spots" even when visibility is completely obscured by smoke or darkness. FIRECAT also uses short-range radar and GPS (Global Positioning System), 24 hours a day, to "see" its way through any condition and on to safety. These systems can determine the exact location of the vehicle in relation to the entire area, regardless of any sight-obscuring condition.
More to come.....