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What's a ping-pong ball?
These are one of two primary aerial ignition devices, the other being the helitorch. Ping pong balls are small spheres containing potassium permanganate which, just prior to release, are injected with ethylene glycol or glycerine creating an exothermic reaction which, after about 30 seconds, sets the spheres on fire.
The spheres or 'ping pong balls' are released through a dispenser and are more efficient than using ground burning methods. Ping pong balls are generally used when developing mosaic burn patterns.
'Ping pong ball' dispenser
The exothermic reaction in progress
Ping pong balls creating a small line of fires which grow together to burn out fuel
Firewatch Cobra used for aerial control but not used in dropping ping pong balls!
Hope this helps.
HM