FAQ’s – FirefoxWildfire

What is NPE-free Barricade ® II?

NPE-Free Barricade ® II is the result of 10 years of research and testing to eliminate nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) and petroleum distillate from the original Barricade formula. NPE-Free Barricade ® II has been approved for use by the US Forest Service in a wide range of firefighting functions including application by large air tankers, smaller Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), helicopters using buckets as well as firefighters on the ground using fire engines. Barricade ® II is the first and only liquid fire gel concentrate that has been approved for use by the Forest Service that does not contain toxic chemical additives known as NPEs and petroleum distillate oils. Environmental organizations have called upon the U.S. Forest Service to ban the use of other firefighting chemicals that contain NPEs.

Is NPE-Free Barricade ® II on the Forest Service Qualified Products List (QPL)

Yes. The Forest Service placed Barricade ® II on the QPL in early 2006.

What are NPEs and are they dangerous to animals or humans?

NPEs (a.ka. Nonylphenol Ethoxylates) are surfactant components found in some other brands of fire gel products. Recent scientific studies have shown that NPEs have negative effects on the reproductive systems of animals and humans in extremely low doses which can cause birth defects in future generations. Barricade is proud to offer the ONLY liquid fire gel that is completely free of toxic NPEs and petroleum distillates. Barricade is the only fire chemical of any kind to be awarded the prestigious “Champion” award from our nation’s EPA.

Other brands of fire gels claim they are safe because they have been approved by the US Forest Service. Since NPEs are Toxic, why are they approved for use?

Currently, the US Forest Service testing program that approves chemicals for use in wildland firefighting does not fully examine the potential long-term effects on future generations…it only looks at short-term health hazards. Due to recent research indicating the dangers associated with NPEs, concerned environmental protection groups have formally requested that the Forest Service cease using and rescind approvals on fire chemicals that contain NPEs and other toxic chemicals.

I was told that the material safety data sheet (MSDS) is supposed to inform us about dangerous chemicals. Are these dangers disclosed on the MSDS of other brands of fire gels?

You are correct. The MSDS is supposed to instruct the layperson about the dangerous characteristics of chemical products. Read the MSDS carefully. If you see phrases such as “Proprietary Blend” or “Trade Secret” in the Hazardous Components section, they are probably trying to hide the fact that their product contains toxic chemicals.

How can I learn more about the hazards of NPEs that are found in other brands of fire gels?

Thankfully, it is quite easy. Simply “Google” the terms “Toxic NPEs”.

Is Barricade safe to use? What do I need to be concerned about?

Barricade is a very safe product. It will not harm you or the environment. If you read the Material Safety Data Sheet, it states that the concentrate can be irritating to the skin and eyes. If it does get on your skin or in your eyes, simply flush with water.

Note: Barricade is very slippery. The potential for slips and falls is significant. Use the utmost care when applying Barricade. If you are applying Barricade to your roof, we recommend that you apply it from the safety of a ladder.

Is special protective gear required for mixing or applicaton?

No. Special protective clothing and respirators are not required.

How do I clean up after using Barricade?

When the danger has passed, rinse the Barricade gel off with plain water and a pressure nozzle. It will take a while to rinse off the Barricade, especially if you have applied a very thick coating. Basically what you are doing is over hydrating the product until it breaks down. If the Barricade gel has been left on for an extended period of time re-wet the gel and let it re-hydrate. This will make it easier to clean off. In a worst case scenario it may have to be pressure cleaned.

Once you have finished using either system, the entire unit should be disassembled. Each component should be flushed thoroughly with water until all Barricade residue is gone. NOTE: Soaking the components in warm or hot water will make the cleanup easier. Please see the Cleanup and Trouble Shooting portion of our Video.

What is the shelf life of Barricade concentrate?

Barricade can be stored safely for several years. The consistency of Barricade is very similar to paint as some of the product will settle to the bottom. We recommend that you shake it every six months. Barricade should be shaken vigorously for a minimum of two minutes before use.

The manufacturer’s warranty is for three (3) years against defects. The history of users indicates that with proper storage and handling, and with periodic agitation, the shelf life is much longer than this.