As wildfires rage across the U.S. again this year, scientists have developed a new tool that could help protect homes — a better fire-resistant gel.
These gels, also called “water enhancers,” are made with special ingredients that help water stick to surfaces like walls and roofs. When sprayed on a building, the gel spreads out and forms a protective layer that can help block flames.
Firefighters already use these kinds of gels when fighting big fires, and some are available for homeowners to buy. But they’re pricey — about $125 per gallon — and don’t always last long.
Now, researchers at Stanford University have created a new version of the gel that stays effective longer and works better than current products. Their findings were published this month in the journal Advanced Materials.
This innovation is coming at a critical time. Wildfires have already burned over five million acres across the U.S. this year. One major fire, the Park Fire in California, destroyed more than 400,000 acres and 637 buildings in just a few weeks.
As wildfire seasons grow more intense, solutions like this new gel could make a big difference in helping people protect their homes.
Climate Change Is Fueling Wildfires: But a New Gel Could Help
Scientists say climate change, driven by human activity, is making wildfires worse. Higher temperatures and longer droughts—especially in the western U.S.—are creating the perfect conditions for fires to grow faster and burn hotter.
Fire gels work by using water to stop flames, but there’s a catch: when wildfires burn at extremely high temperatures, that water can quickly evaporate, making the gel less effective.
That’s where Stanford researchers stepped in.
Eric Appel, a materials science professor who led the new study, says the gel they’ve developed holds up much better under extreme conditions.
“Most fire gels dry out in about 45 minutes,” Appel explained. “Ours stays active for much longer. You can apply it earlier, and it will still work when the fire arrives.”
This means firefighters and homeowners could use the gel as a more reliable shield—giving them more time and better protection as fires close in.
What makes Stanford’s new gel different comes down to its ingredients — especially silica particles and a plant-based polymer called cellulose. These materials work together to create a powerful line of defense against extreme heat.
When exposed to high temperatures, like those in a wildfire, the gel does something pretty remarkable. As the water evaporates and the cellulose burns away, the leftover silica forms something called an aerogel — one of the lightest solid materials on Earth and an excellent heat insulator.
“When the water boils off and the cellulose is gone, what’s left is a silica foam that reflects heat and protects the surface underneath,” explained Eric Appel, the Stanford scientist behind the new gel.
The team tested their gel on plywood, blasting it with a gas hand torch — which burns even hotter than wildfire flames. The new gel held up for over seven minutes. For comparison, a leading commercial gel only lasted 90 seconds.
Not only is the gel more effective, but it’s also safe for both people and the environment. A 2020 U.S. Forest Service report found little to no health risk from this type of fire gel.
Appel says there’s still work to do but hopes the gel can soon be tested in the real world — especially to help protect important buildings and infrastructure when wildfires strike.
