Glass Bulb Fire Extinguisher
Datec 1940s
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Doris Ray, 1980.
Object number1980.013.001
Label TextGlass bulb fire grenades were introduced in the 1800s. This design, with its sealed opening, was introduced in the 1910s. When first introduced, the glass bulb would have been thrown at the base of a fire. Later mechanisms were developed which permitted it to deploy automatically if a fire developed. The mechanism was triggered by heat. At first, the liquid, often salt water, in the clear glass often had a blue or red coloring agent. Later, a fire suppression chemical was added to the liquid, often carbon tetrachloride, also called tetrachloromethane. This is a dangerous substance, causing illness if inhaled, ingested or absorbed.
NameExtinguisher, Fire
