"Boffins in America say they're on the track of a backpack electro-beam forcefield
device capable of snuffing out raging fires without any need for water, hoses or
other traditional firefighting apparatus. Apart from portable applications, they
raise the possibility that the new technology might replace building sprinkler
systems with ceiling mounted conflagration-squelching zapper terminals."
See:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03...ame_squelcher/