a method and device scatter preheated sand , urea , road salt , etc . from a spreading vehicle onto runways and roads to counteract slipperiness caused by snow , ice , sleet , mud and the like . preheating of the material is by an electronically controlled lp - gas driven burner in close association with feeding of the material from the spreading vehicle to the surface which is to be treated . flames from the burner have direct contact with the material being preheated . the process can be remotely controlled from the driver cabin of the spreading vehicle . the heating system can be conveniently mounted to an existing spreading vehicle .