A startup called Sonic Fire Tech claims to have developed a breakthrough acoustic fire suppression system that uses sound waves to extinguish flames and possibly protect homes from wildfires.
The company has raised a $3.5 million seed round from Khosla Ventures and Third Sphere. The technology builds on years of research into using sound to disrupt combustion, a concept explored by DARPA and others since 2012.
Instead of using water or chemicals, Sonic Fire Tech’s system produces infrasound, low-frequency sound waves below the human hearing range, to extinguish fires safely and at a distance. Its current system can snuff out flames from 25 feet away, with larger versions potentially reaching up to 330 feet.
The system is designed to protect homes by routing infrasound through ducts on rooftops and under eaves. When sensors detect a flame, the system activates, disrupting the fire without needing water. It runs on about 500 watts of electricity and includes battery backup options for outages.
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Sonic Fire Tech is currently working with PG&E and Southern California Edison to test the technology and plans to expand into home fire protection and industrial safety once it earns certification.
