California company is leading the way in eco-friendly firefighting
Komodo Fire Services, a Morgan Hill-based company, is changing the way we prevent and battle fires.
Komodo Fire Services, a Morgan Hill-based company, is changing the way we prevent and battle fires.
Komodo Fire Services, a Morgan Hill-based company, is changing the way we prevent and battle fires.
One of the challenges surrounding firefighting measures is finding effective retardants and treatments that are safe for fire crews on the ground and safe for the environment.
Komodo Fire Systems in Morgan Hill, California, already has products on the market for homeowners, utility companies, as well as state and federal agencies.
- Watch the KCRA 3 special report 'Wildfire Ready' on Thursday, July 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Kirn Gill battled the flames of the Corral Fire near Tracy, protecting his home.
"When the fire got real close, it was just madness and the heat was so intense," Gil said. "To be honest, all I was thinking about was just trying to save my property, the neighbor's property."
When Komodo Fire Systems heard Gill's story, they knew they wanted to help.
"We wanted to have Mr. Gill come in and first introduce ourselves and let him know that we care, that we are here, and that we want to equip him with one of our kits," said President and CEO of Komodo Fire Systems Shawn Sahbari.
For Sahbari, creating Komodo was personal.
"My dad's house was completely engulfed, so they were caught off guard," he said. "They were lucky to get out with their lives."
Komodo already has several products on the market, including a preventative treatment to create a defensible space around your home that can last for months. And Komodo 911 is designed to instantly put out a fire and prevent it from reigniting. Now they're working on fire-resistant primers and paints and aerial retardants.
And not only are Komodo's products water-based, plant-based, and safe for the environment, everything, right down to the packaging, is made in the USA.
Here are key websites that are important for all Californians during wildfire season.
- Cal Fire wildfire incidents: Cal Fire tracks its wildfire incidents here. You can sign up to receive text messages for Cal Fire updates on wildfires happening near your ZIP code here.
- Wildfires on federal land: Federal wildfire incidents are tracked here.
- Preparing for power outages: Ready.gov explains how to prepare for a power outage and what to do when returning from one here. Here is how to track and report PG&E power outages.
- Keeping informed when you've lost power and cellphone service: How to find a National Weather Service radio station near you.
- Be prepared for road closures: Download Caltrans' QuickMap app or check the latest QuickMap road conditions here.
| MORE | A 2024 guide for how to prepare for wildfires in California | Track fire conditions across Northern California regions with our Fire Threat Index
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