In my kitchen pantry is a fire extinguisher like any other that you’d buy at a Big Box store: Still in its original box, red, cylindrical with a hand trigger that releases a dry chemical to put out a fire.
Easy and safe.
Recently, I came across an early fire extinguisher that looks nothing like the one in my pantry. It bore a metal label with the inscription: “For Fire. Shur-Stop. The Automatic Fireman on the Wall. Throw at Base of Flames. If Absent, Shur-Stop Works Automatically.”
It looked like an oversized upright lightbulb with a ruby red finish and attached to a brass holder. I assumed that it was still filled with a liquid since it wasn’t broken. I learned that these were called fire bombs or fire grenades – ranging in size from about 6” to 8” tall – and they could either be thrown into a fire or fitted above an obvious place for a fire, such as a boiler or furnace. Some are said to be collectible.
The Shur-Stop was usually sold in a metal case of six. Fire grenades were made by several companies, the most popular of which was the Harden Hand Fire Extinguisher Company of Chicago. It was said to have made some rare ones.
Fire grenades could be found in homes and establishments this country from starting in the late 19th century, and were available well into the mid-20th century – even after they were replaced with what is more common today. Some were plain while others were beautifully crafted bottles that came in various colors and interesting patterns.
As soon as I saw the fire grenade, I recognized it. They turn up from time to time at auction and I was always tempted to buy one. When I asked the auction-house assistant to take it out of a glass case where they keep the good stuff, I didn’t realize that I may have been handling one containing a toxic material.
Googling, I learned that the liquid inside some of these fire grenades was a chemical called carbon tetrachloride (CTC) that could kill you after long exposure. At high temperatures, CTC produces a gas called phosgene that can affect your kidneys, liver, brain and more.
Some fire grenades contain harmless saltwater. The Shur-Stop at auction did not mention its contents, so I wasn’t sure what was in it. Someone in a forum who owned a few described those with CTC as “hazmat in a glass bubble.” CTC, which was also used in dry cleaning, has been banned.
If the bottle does not say saltwater, one article noted, assume that it contains CTC. It should be handled and disposed of carefully. Or you can drain it.
Interestingly, fire grenades were sold on eBay filled with liquids. I wonder if eBay and the buyer realize how dangerous they are. I’ve surely gotten over my desire to buy one.
[…] instructions for the Shur-Stop fire grenade, or “automatic fireman on the wall,” suggested throwing it at the base of the flames. There were also wall-mounted fire grenades that […]