New device helps workers fight fire with powder: Technology puts out a blaze with less water damage

Feb. 23--DIXON -- New fire-fighting technology in the form of an 8-inch powder-spewing disk is available in the area to help save lives and reduce property damage from water.

During a brief presentation Monday morning at the Dixon Fire Station, rural Fire Department Chief Norris Tucker and city Fire Department Chief Tim Shipman each received a Dry Sprinkler Powder Aerosol fire extinguisher.

When tossed on a fire in a confined space, such as a basement, the device sprays sodium bicarbonate, which quickly suppresses flames and cools the room, so firefighters can enter faster and possibly save more lives.

"The goal is to drastically reduce the temperature, like the old-style fire extinguishers," Tucker said.

The DSPAs will be put in first-responder vehicles "to help put out the fire, saving water damage and lives," Shipman said.

Firefighters can remove the cap and throw a DSPA into a fire, activating it in 10 seconds, or just throw it in and allow the temperature sensor to activate it.

Among its advantages: a DSPA isn't harmful to humans, animals or the environment, doesn't destroy evidence of arson, doesn't suck oxygen out of the room, has a 15-year shelf life, doesn't require an annual inspection, and may be covered by insurance.

DSPAs come highly recommended by other local fire departments, Tucker said.

Oregon Fire Chief Don Heller first tested a DSPA in a basement fire in Oregon in early January.

It extinguished the blaze within 8 minutes, allowing his firefighters to enter the building more safely, and they used only 50 gallons of water, Heller said at the time.

PLN Mutual Insurance Co. of Dixon donated the DSPAs, which cost about $1,000 each.

"We're very appreciative of the insurance company donating this to us in this time when budgets are very tight," Shipman added.

"Happy to contribute to the local fire departments," PLN General Manager Chuck Jones said.

The chemistry of fighting fires

Upon activation, a DSPA releases potassium bicarbonate. The potassium ions absorb energy and reduce heat, by as much as 700 degrees within seconds.

As the agent continues to work, the remaining hydroxyl ions attach to the fuel of the fire and prevent combustion.

As heat and fuel are removed, the fire's chemical balance loses critical components and the fire is suppressed, reduced to embers.

Because the amount of oxygen in a room is not reduced, the DSPA can be used in occupied structures and in conjunction with fire teams.

A DSPA is designed for use in any stage of a fire, but potassium carbonate is most effective when deployed early, and always before water.

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