Airbag - some parallels with automotive airbags
When a fire is detected or approaches, special "airbags" are deployed.
Description
In a vehicular crash/accident, airbags deploy automatically in response to impact. Inspired by that, i wonder: what if, in the event of a fire, special "airbags" could deploy, forming barriers to the spread of the flames, and thus protect people, equipment and premises? My brainstorming suggested some possibilities right away, and please feel free to suggest others in your comments below. 1. Self-deploying "airbags" engineered to pop up around expensive equipment, around fire-sensitive equipment or materials, etc, and to act as heat shields around what needs protecting from the heat and flames. 2. "Airbags" that deploy to obstruct the air supply - thus, starving the fire of oxygen. For example, this could involve airbags that inflate and obstruct air ducts, air intakes, etc. 3. "Airbags" that can form protective bubbles/shelters around people trapped in a fire. 4. When "airbags", as in possibility #1 and #2 above, contain nitrogen or a non-combustible mixture (or even a fire retardant) and - in the event the flames start burning through the airbag - the rupture of the airbag will release non-combustible gaseous or other mixture that will reduce the oxygen available to the flames. This makes the airbag idea effective against not just radiant heat, but also against direct flames.
References
I regret that I am unable to respond individually to every comment, but I thank you for your comments, suggestions, etc.