A Successful Nation Innovates Boldly
A successful Estonia is an innovative Estonia. Not just marginally better — 5% faster or cheaper — but radically innovative, capable of transforming industries and, to some extent, the world. One such field ripe for disruption is fire suppression.
Global Fire Risk: The Age of Megafires
Catastrophic wildfires are increasingly devastating both nature and communities across the globe. In 2023, wildfires in Greece destroyed over 161,000 hectares of land, causing damage estimated at €1.66 billion. That same year, Canada experienced its most destructive fire season ever, burning nearly 18 million hectares at a cost exceeding $3 billion.
In January 2025, California’s Palisade region witnessed one of the most destructive wildfires in U.S. history. Damages are estimated at $250–275 billion. Nearly 30 people perished, and thousands of homes, businesses, and infrastructure were lost. For perspective: Ukraine’s war costs approximately $140 million per day — California’s wildfire damage is equivalent to five years of warfare.
Even South Korea, a country less associated with large-scale wildfires, experienced its worst-ever blaze in 2025: nearly 45,000 hectares burned, dozens killed, and almost 30,000 people evacuated.
Here in Estonia, wildfires are a growing concern. During dry summer periods, strict bans on open flames are enforced. Yet, fires still occur. Every year, over 30 people die in fires, more than 60 are injured, and financial damages reach into the millions.
Outdated Suppression Technologies
Despite growing threats, fire suppression technology has seen no fundamental innovation in over 70 years. Yes, hoses are lighter and pumps more powerful, but the core principle — drowning fire with vast amounts of water — remains the same.
And “more water” is no longer enough. Fires are more intense, unpredictable, and widely dispersed. In an age of electric vehicles, AI, and renewables, why are we still relying on mid-20th century fire fighting methods?
A Disruptive Solution: Impulse-Based Technology
After years of development with an academic team behind several patented technologies, we have created a breakthrough. It’s called AquaStorm: an impulse-based fire suppression system that redefines how fires are extinguished.
Instead of a continuous water stream, AquaStorm releases ultra-fast, high-pressure water pulses that atomize in the flames, absorb heat, and extinguish fires quickly and efficiently.
Key Advantages:
- 20–40 times less water usage than conventional low-pressure systems.
- Effective range up to 100 meters for safer, remote fire engagement.
- Supports multiple agents: water, foam, powder, or special chemical solutions.
- Modular and scalable: from handheld mini-units to 200-liter systems, deployable on drones, vehicles, or fixed stations.
Who Benefits from AquaStorm?
This technology isn’t just for fire departments:
- Insurance providers benefit from reduced claims and may offer better rates to users.
- Chemical and oil industries can minimize the risk of escalation in high-hazard areas.
- Defense and emergency agencies gain faster fire localization to protect critical infrastructure and personnel.
- Private businesses can adopt it as part of proactive fire prevention strategies.
Will We Embrace the Future?
Such systems should be within reach of every fire-fighting unit. Estonia has the chance to lead here — not by following trends, but by setting them.