As the summer bushfire season approaches, UNSW Sydney and Flame Security International (FSI) are proud to announce that innovative fire retardant, FIRECOAT Defend, has earned official approval from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The USDA’s Qualified Products List (QPL) certification is considered the world certification standard for this class of fire retardant. Passing the rigorous 18-month certification process confirms that FIRECOAT Defend, an easy-to-use fire-retardant powder concentrate, meets the strict requirements of USDA’s Forest Service Specification 5100-304d.
Achieving USDA QPL certification testifies to the power of collaboration in solving real-world problems like bushfire risk, says Professor Stephen Rodda, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Industry & Innovation) at UNSW Sydney.
“From the world’s first fire-retardant coating to a USDA-approved fire-retardant powder for containment lines, UNSW’s partnership with FSI continues to demonstrate how Australian science and innovation can lead the world in bushfire resilience.
“This collaboration is built on pioneering technology, shared purpose, and a commitment to translating research into real-world solutions that protect lives, homes and the environment.”
Developed by senior researchers at the globally recognised University of New South Wales, FIRECOAT Defend empowers property owners to create a simple, do-it-yourself containment line around their property. It also offers firefighters a practical and effective supplement to backburning and laying of containment lines.
When bushfire threatens, the powder is simply mixed with water and sprayed on combustible vegetation like grass, bushes and dry leaves. If exposed to flame or radiant heat, the treated surfaces form a protective char layer, creating a slow-burning barrier that helps limit a fire front’s approach.
The game-changing innovation provides invaluable extra time for residents and communities to evacuate and for emergency services to respond.
According to Professor Guan Yeoh, Director of the university’s ARC fire safety Research Hub, “FIRECOAT Defend is yet another mission-critical fire protection product developed in partnership with FSI to protect people, their homes and the environment from the increasing prevalence of bushfire in Australia and worldwide.”
Homeowners, farmers, businesses and government agencies now have crucial assurance that the product has been rigorously tested for performance, safe handling and environmental impact.
Importantly, QPL certification guarantees that FIRECOAT Defend meets procurement requirements for corporate and government purchasers, enabling its adoption by those on the front lines of bushfire prevention and response.
“USDA approval of FIRECOAT Defend marks a pivotal breakthrough in global bushfire response – introducing a homegrown, environmentally responsible alternative to a monopolised market,” said Justin Rooney, Managing Director, Flame Security International.
“This recognition validates Defend’s performance in mission-critical conditions and positions it as a reliable, cross-border solution to escalating fire threats.”
FIRECOAT Defend boasts an impressive catalogue of features and benefits that allow any property owner to be ready for a bushfire threat:
A key advantage of FIRECOAT Defend is its safety profile. The formula is free from PFAS, PFOS and halogenated flame retardants, which are chemicals of increasing environmental concern. It’s also non-irritating to skin and eyes and is safe for both humans and the environment.
And after the fire threat has passed, the protective coating can be washed away with water – it even provides mild fertilising benefits to the soil. This makes it a much safer and less destructive alternative to creating containment lines with bulldozers or backburning.
Easy to use, FIRECOAT Defend can be applied using common gardening and farming spray equipment without the need for professional training. To ensure clear application, the product has a distinct iron oxide red colour, allowing users to easily see which areas have been treated.
FIRECOAT Defend is also an essential part the soon-to-released revolutionary Bushfire Home Protection Kit, designed to deliver a complete property fire protection solution.
Enquiries and interview requests, contact Brett Osmond on 0408 069 861 or brett.osmond@flamesecurity.com
For more information about FIRECOAT Defend - https://firecoat.au/products/firecoat-defend-15l