The controlling body for all local motorised sport, Motorsport South Africa (MSA), has approved the innovative Fire Stryker for competition use.
This lightweight, highly-portable and disposable fire fighting device will make it easier for competitors and officials to swiftly attend to a fire while it is still small and controllable, averting possible disaster. While Fire Stryker isn’t designed to put out a fire which has truly taken hold it makes it possible to get to the source of the fire and kill it while still in its infancy.
“Fire Stryker represents the latest technology in the field and is a cost-effective way for motorsport competitors at all levels to comply with safety regulations,” says Richard Leeke, CEO of ATS Motorsport Supplies, a leader in providing safety-related motorsport equipment. “It weighs less, is far smaller, and requires no maintenance compared to the conventional 1-kilogram dry powder or foam extinguisher required previously in many motorsport applications, yet the mid-range 8B model performs significantly better.”
Not much larger in diameter than a broomstick and between 25 and 33 cm long (depending on model) Fire Stryker uses a blast of potassium nitrate to effectively kill a fire in one easy step. Potassium oxidizes rapidly in air: when the seal on the Fire Stryker is broken it releases its contents, and devours the oxygen in the immediate vicinity and in so doing deprives the fire of the oxygen necessary for it to burn. Not only is it suitable for almost every type of fire but is also extremely safe as it isn’t pressurised like a conventional extinguisher.
The 8B model has an emission time of 50 seconds yet weighs only 275 grams and can be kept in the glove compartment or door pocket of any vehicle, or alternatively attached to a flat surface inside the vehicle with the supplied mounting clip. The flagship 13B model lasts for close to 100 seconds while the compact and featherweight 5B model will last for 25, often critical, seconds.
Fire is probably any race driver’s biggest fear so MSA, after evaluating its efficiency, were happy to authorize Fire Stryker’s use within a broad spectrum of motorsport applications. Its compact size will also make it viable to carry on vehicles not previously able to do so thereby providing competitors with fire-fighting capabilities in several motorsport series where this was not previously possible.
“Apart from its application at race tracks and on special stages, Fire Stryker brings an affordable and practical fire-fighting device within reach of every motorist,” continued Leeke. “It is also a must-have for the home and garage and while we hope that people never need to use it, its maintenance-free design means it will always work.
In addition to the recent MSA approval, Fire Stryker has also been given the thumbs-up from the South African Maritime Safety Authority and has been tested locally by the South African Bureau of Standards. It carries a five year warranty with the smallest version priced at just R343.
Contact ATS on 011 670 8400 for more information.
– Credit: Roadworx Communications.