Asger Risom
One California-based company believes the answer lies not in hoses or foam, but in sound.
Wildfires are growing faster, hotter and harder to control, stretching firefighting resources across Europe and the United States. As climate change intensifies conditions, researchers and startups are searching for ways to stop flames without relying on scarce water supplies.
Rising fire threat
The cost of wildfires has surged in recent years. Scientists estimate that climate change has increased the likelihood of fires in parts of southern Europe, such as Spain and Portugal, by as much as 40 times, according to climate research cited by international media.
California has been among the hardest-hit regions in 2025. State data shows more than 7,800 fire incidents recorded this year, burning over 212,000 hectares. Against that backdrop, local innovators are accelerating work on alternative fire-suppression systems.
Sound over water
Sonic Fire Tech, a US startup founded by former NASA engineer Geoff Bruder, is developing an infrasound-based fire prevention system designed to stop flames before they spread. Instead of extinguishing fires with water, the system uses extremely low-frequency sound waves.
According to the company, traditional sound-based firefighting tools typically operate between 30 and 60 hertz, a range audible to humans and potentially disruptive to buildings. Sonic Fire Tech says it has reduced operating frequencies to around 20 hertz or lower, making the sound inaudible while allowing it to travel farther.
How it works
The system relies on a piston-style wave generator powered by an electric motor. Pulses of low-frequency sound are pushed through metal ducts installed in buildings or roof eaves. Sonic Fire Tech says the system works most efficiently at distances of up to eight metres.
The sound waves disrupt the interaction between oxygen and combustible material, effectively smothering flames at an early stage. Similar principles have been explored before. The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency tested acoustic firefighting concepts between 2008 and 2011, while Polish researchers conducted trials at the Kielce University of Technology in 2020.
Limits and rollout
The approach is not without drawbacks. Acoustic pressure can create vibrations in structural elements, which limits how and where the technology can be deployed. Even so, Sonic Fire Tech says careful wave distribution reduces these risks while maintaining effectiveness.
The company has already installed its system in two buildings in California and plans to reach 50 installations by early 2026. Initial deployments are focused on homes in high-risk fire zones. Looking further ahead, Sonic Fire Tech says it aims to integrate the technology with drones for wider coverage.
Sources: Sources: Sonic Fire Tech, California fire data, DARPA, Kielce University of Technology
