Renaissance/Enlightenment (1600’s-1800’s)
31 Evolution of Fire Extinguishers
Virginia Chantelle Ravindra and Samuel Bradley
Introduction
Fire extinguishers are an essential part of modern safety protocols. They are ubiquitous, found in restaurants, hospitals, schools, and households. But have you ever wondered about the origins of fire extinguishers? How did the idea of fire suppression come about? While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact moment of their invention, the need to control fire has always been paramount. Early firefighting methods included buckets of water, sand, and rudimentary hand-pumped devices, which were limited in effectiveness. Over the past few centuries, fire extinguisher technology has evolved significantly, continuously improving efficiency and safety.
Connection to STS
The development of the fire extinguisher exemplifies how necessity and curiosity drive technological advancements for the betterment of society. Fire extinguishers have saved countless lives and remain a crucial component of fire safety measures worldwide. Although their presence is often overlooked, their role in public safety is invaluable.
Early fire extinguisher
The first recorded fire extinguisher was patented in England in 1723 by Ambrose Godfrey, a German-born chemist (Fire Ranger, 2019). His model, while innovative, was not portable; it used gunpowder to release a tank of extinguishing fluid (Isreal & Omokaro, 2017). Nearly a century later, in 1819, Captain George William Manby developed the first portable fire extinguisher. This device consisted of a copper vessel containing three gallons of pearl ash (potassium carbonate) solution under compressed air pressure (Fire Safety Advice Centre, 2011).
Another significant advancement occurred in the late 19th century with the invention of the soda-acid extinguisher. This model featured a glass container filled with water and sodium bicarbonate. When inverted, a plunger broke a vial of sulfuric acid inside, triggering a chemical reaction that produced carbon dioxide gas. The pressure from this reaction expelled the water-bicarbonate mixture, effectively suppressing fires.
current model and advancements
By the mid-20th century, fire extinguishers had evolved to incorporate different extinguishing agents, such as carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide, and liquid chlorobromomethane. However, these substances proved highly toxic, often leading to fatal consequences (Fire Ranger, 2019). Extensive research was also conducted on various chemical foams for firefighting applications; however, they were deemed impractical for use in portable fire extinguishers (Ratzer, 1956).
Manufacturers subsequently improved extinguisher technology by utilizing pressurized vessels to store and discharge non-toxic extinguishing agents. Today, the primary extinguishing agent in modern fire extinguishers is monoammonium phosphate, which is highly effective and safe for humans (Fire Safety Advice Centre, 2011). As technology advances, fire extinguishers will continue to evolve, prioritizing safety and efficiency.
Missing Voices
While the technical evolution of fire extinguishers is well documented—from early chemical solutions to modern, specialized systems—many voices remain absent from the historical narrative. Inventors from marginalized communities, including women and people of color, have often gone unrecognized despite contributing to firefighting technology and safety practices. Additionally, the perspectives of everyday users—such as factory workers, firefighters, and homeowners—are rarely included in accounts of innovation, even though their experiences have influenced product design and policy. By acknowledging these missing voices, we gain a fuller understanding of how fire extinguishers have developed in response not only to scientific progress, but also to the lived realities and ingenuity of diverse individuals.
Summary
The scientific principles behind fire extinguishers date back to the 17th century, with their conceptual roots possibly reaching as far back as ancient Rome. Early firefighting methods, such as hand pumps and bucket brigades, paved the way for the sophisticated fire suppression systems used today. As fire hazards continue to evolve, so too will fire extinguisher technology, ensuring continued protection for society.
AI Use disclosure
I utilized scite.ai and ChatGPT to help me find information about the evolution of fire extinguishers that fits the goals of this textbook chapter. It gave me a myriad of sources that discussed the different models of fire extinguishers in great detail. I then used the other sources I had gathered to apply other elements to the chapter.
CHAPTER QUESTIONS
- Who invented the first portable fire extinguisher?
- What is the extinguishing agent used in the current model of fire extinguishers?
- What is the importance of fire extinguishers to society?
REFERENCES
Fire Safety Advice Centre.(2011). “History of Fire Extinguishers.
History of the Fire Extinguisher. (2019, February 11). Fire RangerTM. https://www.fireranger.com/history-of-the-fire-extinguisher/
History of the Fire Extinguisher – Who Invented the Fire Extinguisher –. (2020, February 9). Https://Completepumpsandfire.com.au/. https://completepumpsandfire.com.au/history-of-the-fire-extinguisher/
Isreal , O. C., & Omokaro, I. (2017). A Model of Automatic Fire Detection and Suppression System with Improved Efficiency. American Journal of Engineering Research, 6(5), 19-30. https://doi.org/https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Idama-Omokaro/publication/343124133_A_Model_of_Automatic_Fire_Detection_and_Suppression_System_with_Improved_Efficiency/links/5f17a53645851515ef3e33cc/A-Model-of-Automatic-Fire-Detection-and-Suppression-System-with-Improved-Efficiency.pdf
Ratzer, A. F. (1956). History and development of foam as a fire extinguishing medium. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, 48(11), 2013–2016. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie50563a030
W Surrena, M. (2021, November 8). Fire extinguishers: History, types, and uses. Wm. T. Spaeder.
