Did you know that the idea of fire extinguishers is actually hundreds of years old? Their history is really interesting. They’ve been integral at various key moments, including during industrial expansion, wars, and more. We want to have a closer look here and examine a rare artefact from WWII. Then, if you need to arrange fire extinguisher service & supply in Saltburn or other local areas, you can rely on us.
Origins
The oldest record of a fire extinguisher is from 1723, an English patent by Ambrose Godfrey. The chemist designed a device containing liquid and a vessel of gunpowder. The latter would explode so it could deploy the liquid to extinguish a fire.
The portable pressurised fire extinguishers we recognise today dates backs to the 1800s. George William Manby, an English inventor, designed his model (the Extincteur) in 1813. It used a solution of potassium carbonate and compressed air.
After Manby’s invention several other variations were created. This includes designs in the US, France, Germany, and Russia. They include different types of agents, such as carbon dioxide, chemical foam, carbon tetrachloride (CTC), dry chemicals, and methyl bromide. One of the most interesting ideas was a fire extinguishing grenade! If you need to arrange fire extinguisher service & supply in Saltburn or other areas, rely on us; we provide exceptional equipment.
A WWII relic
The Second World War was a period when fire extinguishers really showed their importance, especially in the UK during the Blitz. Incendiary bombs could create raging fires that spread quickly and covered huge areas. They were responsible for massive loss of life and extensive property damage.
Civilians had a number of tools to help them fight fires during WWII. One of the most interesting is the Sanspray, a simple card/paper canister full of sand. It was easy to deploy, quickly smothering a fire.
Incredibly, a pristine Sanspray fire extinguisher was found in Bridlington, East Yorkshire in 2004. It was originally from a local barber’s, Sampson’s Gent’s Hairdressers. Incredibly, it survived a bombing and was then packed away for decades. It’s now a valuable artefact on display at Eden Camp in Malton, North Yorkshire, a museum that was formerly a WWII prisoner of war camp.
Ask us about fire extinguisher service & supply in Saltburn
Fire extinguishers are still incredibly important today, vital for fighting fires and saving lives. There are serious hazards to consider, particularly lithium-ion batteries in EVs and various electronics. It’s important to understand the different types of extinguisher, where to place them, and how to use them.
If you want a fantastic service from competent professionals, you can rely on us. We do everything we can to ensure clients achieve the highest standards of fire safety. This includes risk assessments, fire door inspections, and installing alarm systems. We also offer fire extinguisher service & supply in Saltburn and various other parts of the region. We’ll make sure you have the right tools if you need them.
So, get in touch today if you need help.
