Sunny Sethi, founder of HEN Nozzles, discusses the evolution of fire suppression tools shaped by science and firefighter feedback for today’s challenges
In the face of increasingly complex and devastating fires, one engineer is working to bring firefighting equipment into the modern age.
Sunny Sethi, founder of HEN Nozzles, started his company in 2020 after witnessing the destructive wildfires that ravaged California.
Realising that firefighters were battling these blazes with outdated tools, Sethi set out to develop equipment designed for today’s challenges.
“I started HEN after seeing the impact of wildfires on communities,” says Sethi.
“When I spoke with firefighters, it became clear that while the nature of fires has changed, the equipment used to combat them has not kept pace.”
HEN Nozzles has recently secured $8 million in funding to fast-track its cutting-edge fluidics technology, capable of extinguishing fires 300% faster while using 67% less water.
This seed round, supported by federal grants, venture capital, and angel investors, will fuel the development and deployment of HEN’s revolutionary fire suppression tools.
Supported by funding from the National Science Foundation, HEN Nozzles has focused on understanding the science behind fire suppression.
By studying how water interacts with fire, the company has developed new nozzle technology aimed at enhancing the efficiency of firefighting efforts.
Redesigning the fire hose nozzle
Traditional fire hose nozzles often produce water streams that lose effectiveness before reaching the core of a fire.
“Water can break into small droplets that are carried away by the wind,” Sethi notes.
“Even when it reaches the flames, it might not absorb enough heat before falling to the ground.”
Through computer simulations and extensive research, HEN Nozzles identified optimal droplet sizes, velocities, and stream geometries to maximise heat absorption.
The result is a patented blade nozzle that generates a water stream with larger droplets, extended reach, and an adjustable pattern.
“This design allows firefighters to extinguish fires more quickly using less water,” says Sethi.
“It helps them manage situations more effectively while reducing environmental harm and property damage.”
Collaboration and feedback from firefighters
Input from active-duty firefighters has been central in developing HEN’s products.
“We work closely with those on the front lines,” Sethi emphasises.
“Features like the adjustable stream patterns came directly from their feedback.”
Ray McCormack, a former lieutenant with 39 years of service in the New York Fire Department, has been an advisor to HEN Nozzles.
“Firefighters know what they need,” McCormack says. “HEN listens to us, and that shows in their designs.”
Adjustments such as refining the nozzle’s handling to reduce fatigue during prolonged operations were made based on user input.
McCormack points out that even the shut-off handle was designed to provide a comfortable grip while fitting into existing hose beds.
“HEN’s products are shaped by the people who use them,” McCormack adds. “That makes a real difference.”
Testing, certification, and meeting diverse needs
To ensure safety and effectiveness, HEN Nozzles conducts extensive testing.
“We’ve carried out live fire burns in training centres and acquired houses,” Sethi explains. “We use thermal cameras to analyse performance and collect data.”
All HEN nozzles meet standards set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1964 for spray nozzles and appliances.
“Our research is backed by the National Science Foundation, which adds credibility to our work,” says Sethi.
The products undergo mechanical and thermal tests to ensure they meet durability standards.
“Firefighters rely on their equipment in critical situations,” Sethi notes. “We have to be certain our tools will perform under pressure.”
HEN Nozzles aims to serve both wildland and urban fire departments. “We offer combination smoothbore nozzles with different flow rates,” Sethi says.
“Firefighters can adjust the pattern based on the situation they face.”
In wildland settings, the blade pattern creates a concentrated linear stream, allowing for quicker coverage of larger areas.
In structural fires, the pattern helps cool surfaces and gases, leading to faster suppression.
“Our goal is to provide tools that adapt to different environments,” Sethi explains.
“Firefighters encounter a variety of challenges, and their equipment should be versatile.”
McCormack adds: “All HEN nozzles are designed with firefighter input from the beginning.
The compact design and reduced weight came from their recommendations.”
Expanding reach and addressing environmental concerns
HEN Nozzles’ clients include organisations such as CAL FIRE, the U.S. Marine Corps, and several fire departments across the country, including those in Kansas City, Ontario, Maui, and Sacramento.
“These partnerships have been essential in refining our products,” Sethi notes. “We aim to reach an additional 1,000 departments in 2025.”
The recent funding will enable HEN Nozzles to accelerate development and production.
“We plan to expand our team, invest in further research, and increase manufacturing capacity,” says Sethi.
Water conservation is a significant issue, especially in regions prone to drought.
“By increasing suppression rates, we use less water,” Sethi points out.
“This conserves resources and lessens the environmental harm of firefighting operations.”
Quicker suppression also means fewer emissions from prolonged firefighting efforts. “Reducing the duration of fires benefits everyone,” Sethi says.
Challenges and looking ahead
Progress in firefighting tools has been slow, partly due to reliance on established systems.
McCormack believes that the environment in which firefighters operate has changed, and equipment needs to reflect that.
“Firefighters are using systems that aren’t as efficient as they could be,” McCormack says.
“Manufacturers haven’t always recognised the need to change. HEN is responding with technology that brings more efficiency.”
Sethi acknowledges that introducing new tools requires demonstrating clear benefits.
“Firefighters need to trust that new equipment will help them do their jobs better and more safely,” he says.
“We focus on providing evidence through testing and feedback.”
Sethi’s journey began with witnessing the devastation of wildfires in California.
“I saw how communities were affected,” he recalls. “It was clear that something needed to change.”
By combining scientific research with practical feedback from firefighters, Sethi hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the field.
“Our mission is to provide tools that help firefighters meet the challenges they face today,” he says.
With the support of the firefighting community and new funding, HEN Nozzles is planning for the future.
“We’re committed to continuous improvement,” Sethi says. “There’s always more to learn and ways to make our products better.”
McCormack shares this optimism. “HEN’s approach is making a difference,” he says.
“Their technology brings efficiency that can benefit firefighters everywhere.”
As HEN Nozzles moves forward, the focus remains on supporting those who protect communities from fires.
“It’s about making their work safer and more effective,” Sethi concludes. “That’s what drives us.”
This article was originally published in the January 2025 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal – to read your FREE digital copy, click here.