Putting Fire in the Dragon's Den

Here at Fire Protection Online, we are always on the lookout for new, innovative and effective fire safety products. Our team knows from years of personal experience that fire safety measures have radically improved over the last ten years, thanks to continual development in new fire fighting techniques and products.

Firing Up New Ideas

We are also well aware that any dip in the economy (we refuse to say scare-mongering phrases words like 'credit crunch' on this site) may affect the confidence or ability of inventors and fire practitioners to bring new ideas to the marketplace.

So it's definitely hats (or fire helmets) off to Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority for an innovative idea to get the creative juices flowing for new ideas. Chief Fire Office Damian Smith set up his own "Dragon's Den" type event at Bletchley Fire Station, where members of his own community safety team pitched ideas to a panel drawn from the local parish and town councils.

Innovative Fire Safety Insight for Youngsters

The winning pitch was for a practical course for young people aged 12-14, giving an insight into the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service emergency incident prevention measures, and the effects that anti-social behaviour, such as deliberate fire starting, has on the Service.

Officer Smith was clearly thrilled with the outcome; "We were delighted with the response from our three community leaders, who examined the proposals and offered their expertise in tailoring raw ideas into projects which can be better directed to the needs of the communities which our fire stations, in partnership with other agencies, serve.

"In spite of our name, we do so much more than put out fires and rescue people! Firefighters are strong role models in the world of community safety and their work is integral to the development of community cohesion."

A Fire Prevention Dragon at Bletchley?

Perhaps the man behind the winning, the Community Safety Partnership Manager for Milton Keynes, had a slight advantage in the competition as his name is - Peter Jones!

Fire Up Your Imagination in the BBC's Dragon's Den

Fire prevention and fire safety items have not been pitched very often in the BBC TV series, except for the 'Safe T Light', a night light, emergency powerful light and torch combo that plugs into a standard 13 amps socket. (Personally, we consider our Flaresafe torch to be a more versatile since it offers a light, smoke alarm and emergency alarm all in one portable package)

US Fire fighter's Invention Wins £1million

However, would-be inventors should take inspiration from Greg Chavez, winner of last year's surprise US hit programme 'American Inventor'. The California firefighter won $1million to develop his "Guardian Angel" devise to suppress Christmas tree fires. The system is simple; a pressurised storage tank of water sits under the tree, wrapped like a present. A small hose runs from the tank to a fusible link, disguised at the traditional tree-topping angel. Should a fire occur, the heat activates the link, water flows, and the fire is suppressed quickly and effectively whilst an alarm sounds.

To be frank, the system is a refined version of a heat-activated automatic fire extinguisher that Fire Prevention Online already sell for use in boat engine housings and other confirmed areas. What made Greg's invention stand out was the adaptation of this robust but not-terribly-pretty technology into a domestic product that people would want to have in their own homes.

Make Your Fire Safety Invention Happen This Year

If you have a great idea for an innovative fire safety or fire prevention device, perhaps this could be the year for your invention to light up the Dragon's Den application details are on the BBC website!

If you need inspiration, browse through our extensive range here at Fire Protection Online and see what fires your imagination. Here are three of our favourites:

1. The Flaresafe torch - OK, we know we keep mentioning it, but it really is a well-thought out piece of fire safety kit

2. Fireaxe and Lifehammer - these small but mighty items are genuine life savers in an emergency when you may be trapped inside a vehicle with toughened glass. We like it because it is a simple solution to one of the ironies of modern life; safer glass is tougher to break.

3. Carbon monoxide detectors - any device that can detect a gas that is odourless, colourless and tasteless yet can kill in a matter of minutes gets our vote every time.