Question:
Just got a catalog in the mail, from C&H, a comp that sells surpluss, and odds and ends kind of stuff. I found somthing that might be of use to some of you. Its a Pressurized water fire Extinguisher. This is the description: Pressurized Water Fire Extinguisher General, #WS/LS900A. Stainless stell hand type fire extinguisher. Tank capacity is rated at 2.5 gal. Usa as designed or possibly adapted to other uses as water tank, etc. Pressure tested to 200 psi. Has squeeze type valve at top, pluss a pressure gauge that reads 0-200 in zones. Green zone is at 100 psi, red at 0 and 200 psi. A tire valve type fitting is provided for charging the unit with air after filling with water. Has a 24" long rubber spray tube with plastic nozzle. Dimensions 4-14" dia by 24" max hight. NOTE: these units require recertification before used as a fire extinguishers. Stock# M197514 Price $ 25.00 Now, I don't know what it would take to "recertify" it as a fire extinguisher, or if this even a must. I have no ties with these folks, they just offer odds and ends, most no use to me but sometimes... But honey, I really need an IR tank parascope. They even had the nose to a sidewinder a few years back for a 100 bucks. Kick my self for not getting that one. any way 1-800-325-9465 will get you in contact with them.

Answer: Depends on their condition and intended use--these extinguishers critically depend on pressure, and a pinhole leak is very bad news. Note that unless you have a good compressor at the field, you are SOL if they lose pressure--that's why Indian pumps are preferable. Having said that, if they are not obviously rusty or damaged, and for occasional use (as at a launch), store them dry and empty. Fill beforehand, pressurize to 100 psi (you may want to do this in stages the first time!), let stand for 5-10 min to check for leaks (both air and water), then discharge to test for plugged hose or intake tube. If all is OK, you can refill and recharge and you should be OK for the day. For standing use, they'd need to be pressure tested (which should be done in a safety cage), probably by a fire extinguisher service company. These things aren't optimal for grass fires, but they're certainly better than a 10ABC dry powder extinguisher, especially if used in conjunction with brooms or beaters. Put your finger over the nozzle to widen the spray pattern, and try to wet down the spot at which the fire is advancing--let the stuff that is burning continue to burn and go for slowing the advance into new fuel. You can rig a shoulder strap if you want, but don't tip them too much since they draw from the bottom.