What are fire grenades?
A fire grenade was a bottle of thin and fragile glass that was designed to be thrown on the fire and to break easily, therefore, the contents would extinguish the flames. You could often find them in homes and buildings around the turn of the century. The grenades were filled with various liquids; however, carbon tetrachloride seemed to work the best.

The grenades are very collectible today. They may come in many different colors and shapes. If you are lucky enough to find one, remember, they were made to be broken and destroyed, so use extreme caution in handling these grenades. Today, the fire grenade has been replaced by fire extinguishers. To view and learn about fire grenades visit the Antique Fire Grenade Bottles website.

Show All Answers

1. Where do fire poles come from?
2. When did the first fire apparatus arrive in America?
3. In the 1800's what was developed in England that changed the technology of firefighting?
4. Who pulled the steam pumpers to the fire scene?
5. In the hit T.V. show of the 70's "Emergency!" what were the names of the paramedics?
6. On October 9, 1871 the infamous "Chicago Fire" killed 300 people, but there was an even more tragic fire that same day that killed 1200 people. Where was that fire?
7. How long have fire sprinkler systems been in use?
8. Why do some fire apparatus display a green warning light? Why is it there? Why are red and green lights on fire stations?
9. What is a bucket brigade?
10. What are fire grenades?
11. Who invented the "modern" portable fire extinguisher?
12. What is a "Squirt"?
13. Who is St. Florian?
14. What is the Star of Life?
15. Who were the "Prowlers"?
16. Where did organized fire fighting in America begin?
17. What should I know about fire horses?
18. Do you know what a novelty lighter is?
19. What is a Fire Mark?
20. What is a Fire Tetrahedron?
21. Where did the bagpipe tradition at fire department funerals originate?