A technology developed in the Pittsburgh area could be the next big thing when it comes to fighting wildfires.

A former deputy chief in Greensburg has had an interest in firefighting foam since he wrote his term paper on it when he was 17 years old.

Larry Sukay recently returned to the firehall where he grew up: Fire Station #1. He was there the day it opened and spent 15 years with the department.

It was during that time that he learned about the foam technology developed in the late 50′s in Greensburg to put out coal mine fires. Sukay says it was integral in getting the historic La Rose Shop fire out in 1961.

He moved from the area in 1985 to California, a landscape increasing with wildfires. Sukay is now using his knowledge of firefighting foam to try to stop them.

“The technology that was developed here in Western Pennsylvania is going to address that global issue,” said Sukay.

Sukay has taken that foam “recipe” that was created in Greensburg and adapted it to make his own foam and own technology to drop it from a helicopter.

He says it can put down 8,000 feet of fire line in one pass, compared to 600 feet from a helicopter dropped with the same amount of liquid.

Sukay says foam attacks from 3 different angles: it eliminates oxygen, fuel, and heat.

“The technology we have is important, but an equally important part of our technology is we’re dropping an environmentally friendly, plant-based foam. Its safe for humans, animals, aquatic life, and its biodegradable,” Sukay also adds its free from PFAS.

Though Western Pennsylvania doesn’t have the wildfires that he does out west:

“There are sections here in town where the vegetation has grown up significantly around homes. You can have a major vegetation fire here even in Western Pennsylvania,” said Sukay.

The SKHI-EX system is still in the design and testing phase, but Sukay hopes to be able to launch it for fire departments to buy.

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The Indianapolis Colts know what they’re getting themselves into when they line up across from T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4.

Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that his team has had to prepare effusively for Watt leading up to Sunday’s contest given his game-wrecking ability and motor.

“The guy is a phenomenal football player,” Steichen said. “He is always around the ball. He has a relentless motor. He plays 100 miles an hour on every snap. So, we’ve got to have a plan for him…”

On the year, Watt has recorded three sacks and eight total pressures while being chipped at the highest rate of any pass rusher in the league by a wide margin, according to Pro Football Focus.

Indianapolis’ offensive line is among the best in the league largely in part due to their tackle duo of Bernhard Raimann and Braden Smith, who have been nails so far this season.

Watt and the rest of the Steelers’ defense represent a whole different challenge, however, and Indianapolis offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter acknowledged that fact this week.

“… In this league there are these just phenomenal players on some of these defenses, and T.J. Watt is certainly one of those,” Cooter said. “We’ve got to know where he’s going to line up and how he’s likely to align within their scheme – sort of what his role is likely to be defensively each play, and how we can go best attack the defense…”

The Colts’ game plan will likely center around neutralizing Watt, and for good reason. The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and four-time First-team All-Pro can single-handedly stop an offense in its tracks, and he’s likely to attract even more attention then he initially would have now that Alex Highsmith will be out with a groin injury for Pittsburgh.

Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson provided his own opinions on Watt’s prowess, mentioning that the team has plans in place that are aimed at keeping him out of the backfield.

“Man, I mean everybody knows he’s a potential Hall of Famer,” Richardson said. “He’s a great guy – high motor, a lot of effort. He’s pretty strong, physical. So, we definitely have a few things for him so he doesn’t get to the quarterback.”

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