NanoTech Materials Unveils Wildfire Shield to Safeguard Infrastructure
As wildfires become increasingly intense and destructive, the need for advanced fire protection solutions has never been more urgent. NanoTech Materials, Inc. is stepping up to meet this challenge with the introduction of Wildfire Shield, a groundbreaking non-toxic, high-temperature-resistant thermal coating. Engineered to endure temperatures up to 1,800°C (3,272°F), Wildfire Shield is designed to protect wooden infrastructure from fire, significantly reducing the risk of these structures becoming fuel for wildfires.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
Wildfires have long been a formidable threat, but in recent years, they have grown in frequency and intensity, exacerbated by climate change and prolonged droughts. The destruction they leave behind is staggering, not only in terms of natural landscapes but also in damage to critical infrastructure such as retaining walls, highway bridges, and utility structures.
Wood timber lagging, a widely used material in highway retaining walls and other outdoor structures, is particularly vulnerable to wildfire damage. While wood is favored for its affordability and quick installation, its susceptibility to fire has historically required frequent and costly replacements. NanoTech Materials has developed Wildfire Shield to change this narrative by enabling the continued use of timber in essential infrastructure projects while providing unprecedented fire resistance.
A New Standard in Fire Protection
Traditional fire-protection coatings, such as intumescents, rely on charring and expansion when exposed to open flames. While this process provides insulation against heat, it also releases toxic chemicals into the air, endangering first responders and evacuees. Additionally, these coatings require a certain amount of time and heat exposure before they become effective, leaving the underlying material vulnerable in the initial moments of a fire.
“Wildfire Shield is different—it works immediately at any temperature, releasing no toxic chemicals into the atmosphere during an active fire situation and withstanding longer and hotter temperatures than current solutions. Wildfire Shield ensures real-world resilience for infrastructure that can’t afford to fail,” said Troy Marshall, Vice President of Fire at NanoTech Materials, Inc.
Proven Performance in Critical Infrastructure
Wildfire Shield has already been deployed on highway projects for the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans), the largest DOT in the nation. Its application has proven successful in fortifying timber lagging shoring systems, which are frequently used to stabilize highways impacted by wildfires.
CalTrans, along with other Departments of Transportation (DOTs), municipalities, and utility companies, faces increasing pressure to safeguard roads, bridges, and power infrastructure against fire-related destruction. While materials like concrete offer fire resistance, they are costly and slow to install. In contrast, untreated wood remains highly flammable. Wildfire Shield presents a cost-effective, scalable solution that combines the benefits of timber—affordability and rapid deployment—with advanced fire resistance.
“Departments of Transportation (DOTs), municipalities, and utilities are facing growing pressures to safeguard roads, bridges, and power infrastructure against fires,” said Mike Francis, CEO of NanoTech Materials, Inc. “Traditional solutions like concrete are costly and slow to install, while untreated wood remains highly flammable. Wildfire Shield provides a cost-effective, scalable alternative—preserving the affordability and rapid deployment of timber while reinforcing it with proven fire resistance.”
Enhancing California’s Wildfire Resilience
To date, Wildfire Shield has been successfully applied to thousands of feet of California highway retention walls. This effort aligns with CalTrans’ ongoing migration toward soldier pile wood timber lagging construction methods, which accelerate construction timelines for emergency projects. By incorporating Wildfire Shield into these structures, agencies can ensure the longevity and resilience of wooden infrastructure while mitigating wildfire risks.
This innovative approach allows infrastructure teams to maintain efficient project schedules without compromising on safety. By extending the lifespan of wooden retaining walls, bridges, and other structures, Wildfire Shield reduces the need for frequent replacements, ultimately saving agencies time and money while enhancing public safety.
Nationwide Deployment and Industry Partnerships
NanoTech Materials is launching Wildfire Shield through a nationwide applicator program, leveraging its proven playbook for rapidly deploying thermal coatings. The initiative involves strategic partnerships with national coating applicators, heavy construction firms, and bridge and highway contractors. These collaborations will help accelerate the application of Wildfire Shield across high-risk fire zones, ensuring widespread protection for essential infrastructure.
Key partners in this program include industry leaders such as Universal Coatings, GR Sunberg, Valentine Corp., and Idaho Coatings. These companies bring extensive experience in coating applications and infrastructure protection, reinforcing NanoTech’s commitment to delivering real-world solutions to wildfire-prone regions.
By integrating Wildfire Shield into infrastructure projects nationwide, NanoTech Materials aims to transform how cities, states, and utility companies address fire protection. The company’s innovative approach ensures that communities remain resilient in the face of escalating wildfire threats.
A Legacy of Innovation in Fire Protection
NanoTech Materials, Inc. is at the forefront of heat-control innovation, leveraging its proprietary Insulative Ceramic Particle technology to enhance fire protection, heat conservation, and energy efficiency. The company’s portfolio includes a range of thermal coatings designed to address critical environmental and safety challenges.
NanoTech’s first-to-market product, NanoTech Cool Roof Coat, revolutionized building thermal efficiency by reducing cooling energy consumption, carbon emissions, and costs. Building on this success, the company expanded its offerings to include heat-rejecting roof coatings, fire-resistant coatings for wildfire protection, and specialized coatings for industrial heat control.
With the introduction of Wildfire Shield, NanoTech continues to set new standards in infrastructure resilience, offering a fire-protection solution that meets the urgent needs of modern cities and transportation networks.
The Future of Fire-Resistant Infrastructure
As the threat of wildfires intensifies, infrastructure managers must adopt forward-thinking solutions to protect essential structures. Wildfire Shield represents a crucial advancement in fire protection, providing a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. By allowing agencies to retain the benefits of timber while mitigating its fire risk, this groundbreaking coating is poised to redefine how infrastructure withstands wildfire threats.
For state agencies, municipalities, and utility providers seeking to enhance wildfire resilience, Wildfire Shield offers an immediate, scalable, and environmentally responsible solution. Through its nationwide deployment initiative, NanoTech Materials is ensuring that communities across the country have access to the latest advancements in fire protection.
