How To Use The Fire Safety Stick

Activating the unit is simple and straightforward.

1. Prepare the Unit: Hold the device by the black plastic handle and remove the top cap or sleeve* that protects the black resin at the top of the unit.
2. Remove the Striker Cap: Detach the striker cap from the bottom of the unit. This cap will be either black or yellow plastic. On the inside, you’ll find a rough red/brown surface.
3. Position for Activation: While holding the plastic handle, ensure the stick is pointed away from your head and body. In your other hand, hold the striker cap so that its rough red/brown area rests on top of the black resin at the top of the stick.
4. Strike the Resin: Apply increased pressure between the resin and the striker cap. Then, in a swift motion, move the striker away from your body while firmly holding the stick. Ensure the striker maintains contact with the resin during this motion—similar to striking a match against a matchbox.
5. Repeat if Necessary: The friction generated should activate the black resin, initially producing sparks like a match. If activation does not occur on the first strike, simply repeat the process.
6. Agent Discharge: The discharge of the harmless agent will begin immediately upon activation. Direct the stick towards the base of the fire and its flames for optimal effect.
7. Safety Considerations:
   • The agent being discharged is completely harmless.
   • Some small sparks may be visible at the top opening of the stick; however, they are only a few centimetres in size and entirely safe.
   • A minor amount of black soot may be emitted from the Fire Safety Stick, but this is also harmless and can be easily cleaned afterward.

Unlike a dry chemical extinguisher that combats a blaze by depositing a large amount of solid powder on the fire, the Fire Safety Stick is a gas-based fire suppressant. It works by releasing an aerosol vapour which binds to the oxygen around the flame, disrupting the combustion process without affecting a person’s ability to breathe that oxygen. 

The goal is to use the gas emitted from the FSS to create a ‘cloud of containment’ around the fire. This containment strategy prevents outside and un-attached oxygen from reaching the flames, disrupting the fire’s ability to sustain combustion.

While the Fire Safety Stick operates at a lower pressure than traditional extinguishers, its longer discharge time makes it safer for continuous fire suppression.

1. Activation and Operation
   Activate the Fire Safety Stick from a safe distance. Once activated, it will discharge continuously for either 50 or 100 seconds, depending on the model (it can’t be ‘switched off’). Always hold the stick by the black plastic handle, as the metal body may become warm during use.
2. Approaching the Fire
   • Point the top of the FSS toward the base of the flames.
   • Move steadily and calmly toward the fire.
   • Allow the vapour to do the work—there’s no need to wave the stick around. As the vapour engulfs the fire, the flames will begin to die down, making it safer to approach.
   • If outdoors and there’s a breeze, always approach from the upwind side (with the wind at your back), but only if safe to do so. This has the dual benefit of using the breeze to help you direct the FSS vapour onto the flames, but also – from a safety perspective – making sure the flames and any fumes from the fire are flowing away from you.
3. Containment
   • During the approach, move the FSS slowly around the fire, always directing the vapour towards the centre. This will contain the fire.
   • Allow time for the vapour to form the containment cloud, cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply.
4. Maintaining Suppression
   • Continue directing the vapour at the area of the fire for the full duration of the discharge—even if flames appear to be out. This helps prevent re-ignition and ensures any remaining flames in hidden areas are fully dealt with.
   • If you’ve missed a bit, simply reposition the FSS slightly and guide the vapour to those specific areas.
   • Tight areas with complex structures (e.g. vehicle engine bays) really highlight the strengths of the FSS: the vapour’s density allows it to fill voids that are not directly accessible, both putting out the fire and preventing re-ignition.
   • In confined spaces, you can leave the FSS discharging towards the fire while you evacuate. If possible, close the door behind you to help contain the fire and FSS vapours.
5. After the Fire
   Once the fire appears to be extinguished, carefully assess the situation. If the fire was substantial or there’s any doubt about full suppression, call the fire brigade.
   Once the FSS unit has cooled down, it can be disposed of with household waste or by separating the plastic handle from the aluminium tube.

• Log burners or stoves: Activate the FSS and place it inside the unit, ideally to the side of the burning fuel. Then close the door to contain the vapour.
• Open fireplaces: Place the activated FSS close to the flames so the vapour rises into the chimney.

In all cases, immediately evacuate the building and call the fire brigade. Inform emergency responders that a Fire Safety Stick was used so they can assess whether the fire has been fully extinguished.

Best Practices:

• Take advantage of the long discharge time offered by the Fire Safety Stick.
• Use from a moderate distance, moving slowly toward the fire.
• Keep the vapour flow steady and aimed at the base of the flames.
• Allow the containment cloud time to form—it’s what suppresses the fire.
• In tight areas with lots of pockets (like a vehicle engine bay), the vapour naturally fills voids, making the FSS highly effective.

Avoid These Mistakes:

1. Being too close – Prevents proper formation of the containment cloud and allows fresh oxygen to feed the flame. This is particularly problematic in an isolated pan situation, where being too close will only chase the flames around.
2. Rushing the process or waving the FSS around – Again, this prevents the containment cloud from being formed properly and diminishes the performance of the extinguisher.