The Great Fire of London and the Evolution of Fire Extinguishers
Ligtas Consultancy and Training Limited
Enabling Healthy Safe Environments with >20 yrs experience in Health, Safety and Environmental Consultancy & Training
What is your earliest memory of a fire extinguisher? It probably wasn’t the Great Fire Of London. Mine was working in a factory that manufactured cylinders that live inside a fire extinguisher. Over 40 years ago, I needed a job, so I walked to this factory and asked for one. The following day I started in production, with no induction or training .
It was a hateful job. The worst experience was working on the acid vat with gloves and an apron for protection. I fainted twice from the overpowering fumes and was tutted at for my weakness. But that led to going into the department where I stamped empty and full weights on the heads of the cylinders. This department had a radio, and I could sing off-key all day. It was a sort of bliss.
As you can imagine, I was glad to leave, but sadly, without ever knowing the significance of my role or seeing a fully constructed fire extinguisher.
The Great Fire of London in 1666
However, back to school and a recap of The Great Fire of London in 1666. This stands as a significant milestone in fire safety history. It devastated the city and prompted advancements in fire suppression techniques.
In the early hours of September 2, 1666, a small fire broke out in a bakery on Pudding Lane. Fueled by strong winds and the city's predominantly wooden structures, the fire quickly spread, engulfing homes, shops, and iconic landmarks. The fire raged for four days, destroying a significant portion of the city.
People used buckets filled with water from the Thames to tackle the fire. It was insufficient in tackling the rapidly spreading flames. Firefighters also demolished buildings in the fire's path, creating firebreaks to halt its progress.
While fire extinguishers as we know them today did not exist during the Great Fire of London, early attempts at fire suppression involved methods that laid the foundation for future innovations. Leather buckets filled with water or sand were used to transport and throw the extinguishing material onto the fire. These buckets played a limited role in preventing the fire's spread, primarily due to the fire's intensity and the lack of an organised firefighting system.
But it was a method, and it’s one that still surprisingly works today, although not in the same way.
I live in rural Spain, surrounded by beautiful hills. With little rain, the land becomes dry and a fire hazard should someone decide that arson is a great idea. And while this may shock you, many terrible fires have been deliberately started in recent years.
Once the fire takes hold, there is very little to stop its rapid path towards homes, killing much wildlife in its path.
But like the Great Fire Of London, Spanish Firefighters transport ‘buckets’ of water that they fill, hovering their helicopters over residential properties and swimming pools. These are flown back to the fire and dropped while the land force uses other methods to halt the progress. Some of these fires last for days.
When I see them flying past the house, I am always reminded of lines of people with buckets of water bravely risking their lives to put out fires.
The Evolution Of Modern Fire Extinguishers
The concept of fire extinguishment dates back thousands of years. In ancient times, people relied on simple methods such as using sand, water, and animal bladders to combat fires. The effectiveness of these methods varied, but the underlying principle of putting out the burning fuel and removing heat or oxygen from the fire was evident. These three elements are known as the fire triangle.
Fire extinguishers are designed to target one or more elements by providing a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen in the surrounding air or removing the heat by cooling the fuel. The fire goes out if either of these can be affected or eliminated.
Of course, these early attempts came with many complications because fire was not fully understood. Imagine what happens if you throw water at combustible materials or other hazards.
The 18th century marked a significant advancement in fire extinguishing technology with the invention of the portable fire extinguisher. British Captain George William Manby is credited with creating the first portable extinguisher in 1819. His device consisted of a copper vessel filled with a potassium carbonate solution. Using a hose, the user could pressurise the container and direct the solution onto the fire. This invention paved the way for subsequent developments in fire extinguisher design.
In the late 19th century, new advancements in chemical compounds led to the development of more effective fire extinguishers. French engineer Francois Carlier introduced the first fire extinguisher using a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and tartaric acid in 1881. Combined, these chemicals produced carbon dioxide, which helped smother the fire. This innovative design laid the groundwork for the development of carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers, which are still in use today.
The early 20th century witnessed the introduction of foam and water-based fire extinguishers. In 1904, Aleksandr Loran patented the first foam extinguisher, utilising a foam-producing agent mixed with water. These extinguishers were effective in suppressing fires involving flammable liquids and materials. Water-based extinguishers also gained popularity and remain a common choice for combating fires involving ordinary combustibles such as wood and paper.
The mid-20th century saw the emergence of dry chemical fire extinguishers. These extinguishers utilised dry powders, such as sodium bicarbonate or monoammonium phosphate, to interrupt the chemical reaction of a fire. Dry chemical extinguishers are versatile and can combat different types of fires, including those involving flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and combustible solids. They are widely used in commercial and residential settings to this day.
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The Modern Fire Extinguisher
Stored pressure fire extinguishers are a common type of fire extinguisher used to combat various types of fires. They are designed to be portable and effective in quickly suppressing fires. Here's an explanation of how stored pressure fire extinguishers work:
Container: A stored pressure fire extinguisher consists of a cylindrical container, typically made of steel or aluminium. The container is pressurised and sealed to maintain the fire extinguishing agent inside.
Fire Extinguishing Agent: The container holds the fire extinguishing agent, which can be water, foam, dry chemical powder, or carbon dioxide (CO2), depending on the type of fire extinguisher. Different agents are suitable for different classes of fires (Class A, B, C, D, or K) based on the materials involved.
Propellant: Inside the container, there is also a propellant, which is usually a compressed gas like nitrogen. The propellant maintains pressure in the container, allowing the fire extinguisher to expel the agent when needed.
Valve Assembly: At the top of the container, there is a valve assembly that controls the flow of the fire extinguishing agent. It consists of a valve stem and a discharge lever or handle.
Activation: To activate a stored pressure fire extinguisher, you typically need to remove a safety pin or tamper seal and then squeeze the discharge lever or handle. This action opens the valve, allowing the pressurised agent to be released.
Discharge: When the valve is opened, the propellant gas forces the fire-extinguishing agent out of the container through a discharge nozzle or hose. The agent is expelled as a directed stream or spray, depending on the design of the fire extinguisher.
Fire Suppression: The fire extinguishing agent is directed towards the base of the fire, where it helps extinguish the flames by cooling, smothering, or interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire, depending on the type of agent used.
Duration: The duration of discharge depends on the size and capacity of the fire extinguisher. Once the agent is depleted, the discharge will stop. It's important to use the fire extinguisher until the fire is fully extinguished or until it becomes unsafe to continue.
Stored pressure fire extinguishers are designed to be easily operated by individuals in emergency situations. However, it is crucial to familiarise yourself with the specific instructions and guidelines provided by the manufacturer for the fire extinguisher you have, as there may be slight variations in operation and usage depending on the model and type.
Additionally, regular maintenance and inspection of fire extinguishers are essential to ensure their effectiveness and readiness when needed.
How Fire Extinguishers Save Lives
Fire extinguishers play a pivotal role in saving lives during fire emergencies. By providing immediate access to a means of fire suppression, they empower individuals to take action and control small fires before they escalate. Rapid response with a properly used fire extinguisher can prevent the spread of flames, minimise property damage, and provide crucial time for evacuation.
Importance of Regular Maintenance and Training
Modern fire extinguishers are designed for ease of use and efficiency. However, their effectiveness depends on regular maintenance and user knowledge. Regular inspections as part of a fire risk assessment. Maintenance and refilling are essential to ensure extinguishers remain properly working. Additionally, comprehensive training on fire extinguisher usage and fire safety protocols equips individuals with the skills to respond effectively during emergencies.
Next steps. Watch this webinar replay about Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and contact Ligtas to discuss your fire safety needs.
Attorney At Law at CIVIL COURT CASES
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Head of Sales & Marketing
1 年Thank you. Fire extinguishers are often overlooked in most peoples day to day activities, but remain one of the most important items at work, along with fire doors.