NASA Engineers Develop Technology to Extinguish Fires Using Sound Waves
Engineers have long searched for cleaner ways to fight fires without relying on water or chemicals. In 2015, two George Mason University students, Viet Tran and Seth Robertson, developed a portable fire extinguisher that uses low-frequency sound waves (30–60 Hz) to disrupt flames. The invention, which began as a senior project costing about $600, showed that acoustic vibrations can destabilize the air surrounding a flame and extinguish it without leaving residue. Although effective only on small fires, the idea has inspired ongoing research into larger-scale applications.
How Sound Silences a Flame
Fire needs heat, fuel, and oxygen to burn. The challenge lies in interrupting that balance without causing secondary damage. Low-frequency sound offers one potential solution. These deep, rhythmic vibrations cause air molecules to move back and forth in rapid pulses by disturbing the thin layer of oxygen that feeds the flame.
When sound waves hit the right range—frequencies so low you feel them more than hear them—the flame begins to flicker, lose structure, and eventually collapse. Experiments by Tran and Robertson found that frequencies between 30 and 60 hertz were most effective for suppressing small open flames. While the early results were promising, scaling the idea beyond laboratory settings presents several challenges.
@sambentley These NASA engineers found a way to put out fires using sound waves! The method, developed by Sonic Fire Tech, uses deep bass frequencies, too low for humans to hear, to literally shake the fire apart. The sound waves, officially called Infrasound pressure waves, knock oxygen molecules out of the way before the fire has a chance to use them for combustion. They can extinguish fires from up to 10 feet away, and even prevent fires from starting in the first place. They do require a special kind of speaker, as most speakers can’t produce these deep bass tones at the high pressure required to affect fire, so don’t try just blasting some Drum and Bass if you start a fire at home. They’re now developing ways of deploying the sound waves through ducts in buildings, to prevent apartment fires for example, or even attaching them on drones or to trees to prevent wildfires. Putting out fires like this would save resources, cause less damage and clean up, as no water or chemicals are needed. Tap like if you’re a fan of this solution and follow along for more. #goodnews #wildfire #innovation #technology #sustainability ♬ original sound – Sam Bentley
Challenges with Sound-Based Suppression
Sound-based fire suppression shows real potential, but scale matters. Lab fires behave differently from wildfires or structural blazes. Wind, fuel mixture, and fire intensity all affect how well sound waves perform. Generating deep bass at high pressure also requires large, power-hungry equipment, and sound waves can cause unwanted vibration or pose hearing risks if not adequately contained.
Despite these technical hurdles, the concept has continued to attract interest from engineers and private companies.
Expanding the Concept
The promise of sound-based suppression has encouraged others to further explore the technology. Sonic Fire Tech, founded by Geoff Bruder, a former NASA engineer, is developing low-frequency acoustic fire suppression systems inspired by similar principles. The company’s prototypes aim to apply the same physics used in the GMU experiment to more powerful, scalable systems suitable for industrial or field use.
What This Could Look Like On The Ground
Researchers are also investigating how sound-based systems can be integrated into real-world fire protection. Concepts under study include automated low-frequency emitters for buildings, roof-mounted units for exterior walls and gutters, and drone-based models for wildland fire control. Each design aims to suppress flames early, before they spread, without the water damage or chemical residue left by conventional methods.
Sound-based suppression may be especially valuable in closed environments, such as spacecraft, submarines, or industrial facilities, where traditional agents pose safety risks. Researchers note that acoustic systems could also help in confined or hard-to-reach areas where foam or water cannot be deployed effectively.
Next On The Horizon
The next phase of innovation focuses on shrinking the hardware, refining frequencies for different fuels, and combining sound with other suppression methods, such as water mist. Researchers are also exploring drone-mounted and building-integrated systems—though these remain experimental.