Extinguishing Collection (#4)

Coal mine fire, 19th century
Coal mine fire. 19th-century artwork of a team of firefighters trying to extinguish a fire in a coal mine. They are using a fire extinguisher that is designed to use water charged under pressure with

Peat bog fire. Mars aircraft dropping water on a fire in a raised peat bog. Peat bog fires often burn below the ground making them particularly difficult to extinguish

Fire brooms on a heather moor
Fire brooms in a stand on heather moorland. These brooms are for suppressing fires that break out on the moorland. Photographed at Morrone Birkwood, Cairngorms National Park, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

Liquid nitrogen fire appliance controls
Fire fighting. Control valves of a liquid nitrogen fire fighting vehicle. Called the AGT-4000, this is intended for fires in contained areas

Helicopter firefighter
A Kamov Ka-32 helicopter dumping water onto an office fire. The Ka-32 (known to NATO as Helix ) is a medium utility helicopter derived from the military Ka-27. Photographed in Moscow, Russia

Firefighters in cherry pickers controlling a fire within a furniture factory. Photographed in Moscow, Russia

Water pump
An advertisement from 1893 for Marryweathers hand fire-engines, a device which doubles up as both a fire extinguisher and plant watering machine

THE MOON AS LUNA 1809
THE MOON AS LUNA When light her sable mantle spreads, extinguishing the day; the moon a friendly lustre sheds to guide our lonely way

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"From rejected ideas to life-saving innovations: the journey of extinguishing" In the 19th century, fire sprinklers emerged as a promising solution for combating flames. However, they were initially rejected by the inventions board, underestimating their potential. The advent of the first petrol fire-engine revolutionized firefighting techniques. This groundbreaking invention provided firefighters with a powerful tool to battle blazes more effectively. Amidst turbulent times, G. H. Davis introduced a new German incendiary bomb that posed immense threats during wartime. Its destructive power demanded innovative ways to extinguish its fiery havoc. One such incident occurred at Sir C. Prices Wharf in Blackfriars in 1845, where an unknown creator fought valiantly against a conflagration using primitive means. Their bravery highlighted the need for advanced fire suppression systems. Firefighters underwent rigorous training at Lambeth HQ to enhance their skills and readiness when facing dangerous infernos head-on. Their dedication ensured public safety and inspired others to develop labor-saving devices like those envisioned by William Heath Robinson. During World War II's Blitz in London, ingenious couples devised makeshift pumps from their bedsides to extinguish incendiary bombs landing in their homes without disturbing their sleeping baby—a testament to human resilience amidst chaos. John Lewis on Oxford Street became an unfortunate victim of fires during this tumultuous period but demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience amid destruction. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic Ocean in Texas, capping burning oil wells became an urgent challenge requiring specialized expertise and innovative methods—highlighting humanity's ability to overcome even nature's fury through collective efforts. Even theaters faced perilous fires that threatened lives; Professor Pepper's demonstrations at Sadler's Wells Theatre showcased both danger and innovation as audiences witnessed firefighting techniques firsthand—an unforgettable experience etched into history books forever. Through rejection or adversity, each chapter reveals our relentless pursuit of safer communities—where extinguishing flames becomes a shared responsibility, and the spirit of innovation continues to shine brightly.