‘Grenade’ Fights Fire Without Water

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, Ohio—Local firefighters looked at a new device Wednesday that can help them extinguish flames quickly and without entering a flaming structure.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.

For as long as there’s been fire, crews have relied on water to put out the flames. Lots of water.

While the water’s use likely will never change, a new device promises to help.

It’s called the Dry Sprinkler Powder Aerosol or DSPA. It’s sort of like a fire extinguisher grenade.

Though small, the device packs a punch so mighty it can knock down fires and give crews more time to rescue victims, according to E4 Safety Professionals President Keith Snead. E4 distributes the device.

How does it work? Pull the string, and toss. 

“You can toss it through a window or front door. Firefighters who are a little more trained can go inside and put this in the room, pull the string and toss it,” Snead said.

Within 10 seconds, the “grenade” spews a salt mixture 360 degrees, essentially choking the fire.

Jackson Township fire officials set fire to a bedroom in a vacant house Wednesday morning as a demonstration.

It didn’t take long for the fire to spread.

After several minutes, a police officer broke a side window, pulled the string and threw in the DSPA. 

Minutes after activating, the fire was knocked down significantly.

Snead also said the device can reduce the temperature in a room by 700 degrees within seconds, all without using up valuable oxygen.

Because of the size of the unit and how simple it is to use it, he says it’s a perfect tool for first responders. 

“We’re still going to have to go into overhaul, maybe throw a little bit of water, but it’s going to give more time before an engine crew arrives or before that 700 gallons show up,” Snead said.

The devices soon could be in every fire truck and police car in the nation.

For additional information, stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com—Where Accuracy Matters.
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