It hangs on walls, sits in kitchens, and rides on airplanes—quiet, unnoticed, until the moment it saves a life. The fire extinguisher is one of the most universal firefighting tools in the world. But where did it come from, and how did it become so effective?

In this episode of Beyond The Nozzle, we explore:

🧪 The Origins

• Ambrose Godfrey’s 1723 patent for a gunpowder-powered fire extinguisher.

• Captain George William Manby’s copper cylinder design in 1818.

🔥 The Evolution

• From soda-acid extinguishers to carbon tetrachloride, dry chemical, and beyond.

• How codes and standards brought extinguishers into every home, school, and workplace.

🚇 A Famous Case

• The 1987 King’s Cross Underground fire in London—where an extinguisher was used, but too late.

• What it taught us about the speed and limits of fire suppression.

🏠 Today’s Fire Extinguishers

• The five main classes: A, B, C, D, and K.

• The simple, lifesaving PASS technique.

The fire extinguisher isn’t glamorous. But it’s one of the most effective tools ever invented to stop small fires from becoming deadly ones.

🎙️ Beyond The Nozzle is produced by Social FD, bringing you stories of fire service history, invention, and courage.

Until tomorrow, on Beyond The Nozzle… stay safe, stay engaged, and remember: a simple post can save a life.

👉 Learn more: socialfd.org | beyondthenozzle.com