Lateral Ignition and Flamespread Tests (LIFT) 1
When water enhancers, and to some extent foams were first introduced for firefighting in the
wildland and interface environment, the primary objective was to prevent or slow ignition of
vertical surfaces and to protect resources such as structures and seed or nesting trees.
The time that it takes to ignite a piece of T1-11 siding using the LIFT apparatus and Forest
Service protocols is one indication of the ability of a product (the combination of concentrate
and water as prescribed by the manufacturer) to slow or prevent ignition, especially of a
vertical surface. The LIFT test is used as a part of the evaluation for both foam and water
enhancer products.
Class A foams are typically used for wetting of fuels or to provide surface protection. The
foams are tested using the LIFT test in two different ways. To evaluate effectiveness for
surface protection, a 1.0-percent concentration of the product is applied to the T1-11 sample
and immediately exposed to the heat source. To evaluate effectiveness for wetting and
penetration, a 0.4-percent concentration of the product is applied to the T1-11 sample and
allowed to soak and penetrate for 5 minutes prior and then exposed to the heat source.
Water enhancers are typically used to provide surface protection and are evaluated using
several mix ratios to span the approved range found on the Qualified Products List. All tests
are performed by applying the product to the T1-11 sample and immediately exposed to the
heat source.
In all cases the time to ignition is measured and used to calculate the ignition reduction of the
product at the specified mix ratio.
The ignition reduction is a numeric value that compares the ignition time for water and the
enhanced water mixture during the same test period. It is calculated as shown below:
Ignition Reduction
=
Time to Ignition, mixed product
Time to Ignition, water
Products having different consistencies because of their basic make up, the concentration
tested or the effect of water hardness and temperature. The water enhancer products
currently in use are sensitive to the quality of the water used to prepare the mixed product.
Hardness especially affects the consistency and ability of the product to remain on a vertical or
uneven surface.
In the field, the mix ratio and water quality, the condition of the wood surface, the weather, and
fire intensity, and the characteristics of the product as well as the age and extent of the
application of the enhanced water mixture or foam will impact the level of protection afforded
by the product in an actual fire situation.
 Product Performance Data on next page 
1
Standard Test Procedure 2.2 gives detailed instructions for the LIFT test. STP-2.2 is
available at http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/fire/wfcs/tests/stp02_2.htm
4/27/12
Lateral Ignition and Flamespread Tests (LIFT)
Water Enhancers
Product Name (As Evaluated)
Chemdal AquaShield 100
Barricade II
Thermo-Gel 200L
Thermo-Gel 500P
Wildfire AFG Firewall II
BioCentral Blazetamer 380
GelTech FireIce
Phos-Chek Insul-8
Notes:
Concentration
Ignition
Reduction 1
1.0%
0.4%
2.0%
1.0%
1.5%
1.0%
0.5%
1.2%
0.5%
3.0%
2.0%
1.0%
0.25%
0.65%
2.1%
1.4%
3.0%
1.5%
1.0%
0.37%
9.9
3.3
4.7
2.9
2.5
2.0
1.4
2.5
1.7
4.5
4.9
1.7
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.1
7.8
6.0
3.8
1.2
Time to Ignition, seconds
Product
Water
Untreated
1179 ±74
368 ± 161
583 ± 235
327 ± 57
305 ± 39
224 ± 18
178 ± 26
311 ± 29
209 ± 72
495 ± 503
538 ± 707
190 ± 39
117 ± 18
128 ± 11
146 ± 46
125 ± 36
855 ± 209
663 ± 133
417 ± 121
132 ± 34
116 ± 23
112 ± 23
123 ± 24
112 ± 23
123 ± 24
112 ± 23
123 ± 24
123 ± 24
123 ± 24
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
110 ± 13
80 ± 22
80 ± 20
82 ± 26
80 ± 20
82 ± 26
80 ± 20
82 ± 26
82 ± 26
82 ± 26
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
75 ± 11
1 - Ignition Reduction = (Product, Ignition Time) / (Water, Ignition Time)
2 - Forest Service Protocol using T1-11 siding. All test mixtures were prepared with distilled water.
3 - Standard Test Procedure 2.2 gives instructions for the LIFT test. STP-2.2 is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/fire/wfcs/tests/stp02_2.htm
4/2/12