The Saugeen Times

Local fire services test out new product in Saugeen Shores control burn

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A controlled burn trains fire fighters

Saugeen Shores Fire Department recently had the opportunity to not only burn down a house but to be able to test a new product that may save the lives of fire fighters.

The property, owned by Lord Elgin Estates (housing development), was donated to the local Fire Department as a training site for volunteer fire departments throughout the area. Organized by Saugeen Shores Fire Services, firefighters from Tara, Teeswater, Mildmay and Aaron Elderslie were among the departments represented.

The new product, known as DSPA-5 Rapid Intervention Tool, manufactured by AFG Flame Guard Ltd., has been used widely in western Canada but is just being introduced into eastern Canada and Saugeen Shores was one of the first test sites.

Dry Sprinkler Powder Aerosol (DSPA) is composed of potassium compounds and when activated thermally (heat) or electrically, micro particles and a gas mixture are mixed to form an extinguishing mixture.

The benefits of the new product apply to all parties involved in a destruction caused by fire.

Fire Departments - less wear and tear on equipment; fewer injuries
Clients - Safety of life and property; saving pets, personal affects and vehicles
Insurance - less water damage; easier investigations; fewer allocated living expenses
Community - less water used resulting in property preservation; fewer medical costs
Environment - less possibility of toxic water into ground water; fewer carcinogens into water and air

Saugeen Shores' Fire Chief, Phil Eagleson

The specific value of DSPA is that it almost instantly reduces head from 1,000 degrees to below 450 degrees within a matter of minutes enabling fire fighters to implement standard techniques of fire extinguishing with substantially reduced amounts of water.