Advanced robotic fire suppression for large and open recycling areas
Fires in large open areas often start small but escalate rapidly.
The Firefly Automated Water Cannon provides fast, targeted, fully automatic fire suppression where other suppression systems are not feasible or are more expensive.
- Fully automatic, robotic fire detection and suppression system
- High‑flow, targeted water suppression automatically directed at the fire area.
- Can be integrated into a new Firefly system or added as an upgrade to existing Firefly installations
- Designed specifically for:
- Recycling facilities
- Large, open or semi‑open risk areas
How does it work?
The protected area is divided into zones
Flame detectors monitor each zone continuously
When a fire is detected:
- A signal is sent instantly, and the alarm is activated
- The water cannon automatically aims at the fire
- The valve opens and suppression starts automatically
Fire suppression starts in as little as 10 seconds, and typically in less than 15 seconds
The system is configured so that when the fire is out, the system keeps spraying for extra seconds as a safety margin and then returns to its park position and remains ready.
Key Benefits
Instant Detection & Suppression
Detects and targets fires within seconds, reducing the risk of catastrophic losses
Autonomous Operation (24/7/365)
Fully automatic operation without dependency on operators or external cloud services
Cost‑Effective Coverage of Large Areas
One water cannon can protect large zones, reducing system complexity
Precisely Targeted Fire Fighting
High‑flow water is applied where needed, minimizing unnecessary water damage
Robust Design
Designed for dust, harsh environments, made of high-quality stainless steel (316L), and brushless, low-maintenance motors.
Scalable and Networked
Multiple cannons can be coordinated and monitored through a central interface
Seamless Firefly Integration
Part of the Firefly ecosystem, together with Spark Detection and Quick Suppression
High quality
Designed and manufactured in Scandinavia. ISO 9001 manufacturing
Typical applications:
- Recycling & waste management facilities
- Waste bunkers and storage areas
- Large open processing halls
- Outdoor and indoor material piles
- High‑ceiling industrial buildings
Firefly system integration:
Integrated into the Firefly Eximio platform
Part of complete Firefly solutions including:
- Engineering
- System design
- Commissioning
- Service and support through Firefly’s global network
Contact Firefly to discuss the protection of large and open risk areas
Frequently Asked Questions about fire suppression (FAQ)
Why fully automatic instead of operator-controlled systems?
The Firefly Automated Water Cannon is designed to act immediately and without human intervention.
- Fire detection, targeting, and suppression happen within seconds
- No dependency on operator availability or reaction time
- Consistent performance, even during night shifts or unmanned operation
- In fast-growing fires, those first seconds are often decisive. Automation ensures that no time is lost.
Are there any recurring monitoring costs?
No.
The Firefly solution is designed as a self-contained, autonomous system:
- No external monitoring subscription required
- No ongoing service fees for activation or operation
- Full control remains with the customer
- This provides predictable ownership cost and independence from third-party services.
How does the water mist system work?
The water mist system deploys a fine mist of water to suppress the fire. Its small water droplets cool the flames and reduce the oxygen concentration around the fire, enabling quicker suppression with minimal water usage.
Is it safe to use high-pressure automated water cannons in industrial environments?
Yes. The Firefly Automated Water Cannon is designed with operator safety in mind.
- It typically operates at a nominal pressure of around 5 bar, a well-established level common in industrial applications
. - Studies indicate potential health risks at pressures above 12 bar, while the Firefly system operates well below that range.
- Operating pressure can be adapted to specific project requirements if needed
Why use water instead of foam?
The Firefly Water Cannon uses water as the primary extinguishing agent, offering several advantages:
Environmentally friendly – no chemical additives
No need for collection or special disposal after activation
Simplifies compliance with environmental regulations
Reduces operational complexity and cleanup
This makes the system particularly suitable for recycling facilities, where environmental impact and residue management are key considerations.
By customer request, foam can be used instead.
Is there a risk that the water cannon could spread the fire?
It depends on how suppression is applied.
If a high-pressure jet is directed immediately and directly at an active flame, there is a risk that burning material can be dispersed, potentially spreading the fire.
For this reason, the Firefly Water Cannon is engineered with controlled suppression strategies:
- The system can be programmed to first wet the surrounding area
- This helps contain and stabilize the fire
- After control is established, the system targets the core of the fire
With advanced control of spray patterns and movement, the system ensures that suppression is both effective and controlled, minimizing the risk of fire spread.
How is the water density dimensioned?
Currently, there is no specific international standard defining water density requirements for robotic water cannons in these types of applications.
To ensure a reliable and well-founded design, hydraulic calculations are typically aligned with NFPA 13.
The system is engineered based on:
- The defined risk areas
- Application type
- Expected fire load and operating conditions
As with all fire protection systems, it is recommended that the defined design criteria and fire load assumptions are reviewed by the customer to ensure alignment with site-specific requirements.
Which factors determine the max range of the water cannon?
The coverage area changes with the cannon operating conditions such as pressure (P), height (Ho), elevation angle, initial cone angle, and horizontal reach radius®.
For example, the coverage area can increase with a narrow cone angle when the spray is changed from a solid stream to a wider mist
What performance can I expect from the system?
DN50: With a range of up to 38m and a capacity of 1600 L/min at 8 Bar.
Nominal range of 30m and a capacity of 1000 L/min at 5 Bar.
DN80: With a range of up to 53m and a capacity of 4000 L/min at 8 Bar.
Nominal range of 45m and a capacity of 3200 L/min at 5 Bar.
