Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Extinguisher, Fire |
Source |
Cedar Falls Historical Society |
Iowa History Era Tag |
Prosperity to the Depression (1897-1939) |
Chronological Tag |
The Emergence of Modern America (1890-1930) |
Catalog Number |
2018.018.028 |
Credit line |
Cedar Falls Historical Society - Cedar Falls, Iowa |
Description |
Pyrene Manufacturing Company released its own line of "Pyrene Fire Extinguishers" in the early twentieth century. This type of extinguisher holds one quart of liquid and at least twenty-five percent of carbon tetrachloride. It operated by pumping the handle located at the top of the extinguisher which caused the liquid/foam mixture to shoot out the hose. However, this type of fire extinguisher is now illegal due to the carbon tetrachloride chemical being highly toxic. If it were to get on skin and absorbed, it can cause liver failure. The extinguisher model pictured above was in a Ford Model-T automobile until 1929. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item regarding copyright restrictions. |
Additional Research & Sources |
"The Cedar Falls Fire Department was established in 1867, following a serious fire at Hazlett’s Dry Goods Store on Main Street. Chronically short of equipment in the early days, the city slowly built the infrastructure and acquired the equipment needed to support the department. Buckets and ladders were replaced with a horse-drawn fire engine and hand-drawn hose carts. Cisterns were built at three locations to hold water for pump trucks: at 23rd and Campus, 8th and Franklin, and West 1st and Pearl. As the city expanded, the department replaced outdated equipment with larger, faster, and higher-reaching ladder trucks to better protect both businesses and citizens." -Julie Huffman-Klinkowiz, 2017. This object can connect to the following standard: Standard SS.4.25 Technological Change: A lesson could be created on Pyrene Fire Extinguishers. This lesson could include how the Pyrene Extinguishers were once deemed safe to use, but are now illegal due to how toxic carbon tetrachloride is. |
Primary/Secondary Source |
General primary source |
County Tag |
Black Hawk |
Relation |
Show Related Records... |
Multimedia Links |
Click here to view/hear the file. |
Search Terms |
Fire Fire fighting Fire prevention |
Legal Status |
Ownership of this resource is held by the Cedar Falls Historical Society and has been provided here for educational purposes only, specifically for use in the Iowa Museum Association's "Teaching Iowa History" project. It may not be downloaded, reproduced or distributed in any format without written permission from the Rights Holder. For information on U.S. and International copyright laws, consult an attorney. |
