Brian Peterson has donated a Dry Sprinkler Powder Aeresol (DSPA) unit to the Fire Department. The DSPA functions by activating the unit generator which is based on the inhibition of oxidation-reduction reactions of highly refined particles (aerosols) of salts and oxides of alkali and alkaline metals. These particles precipitate with the combustion of the aerosol-forming agent and remain in suspension for a long time. The process of high-temperature combustion of the solid agent that is located in the generator body causes the formation of fire extinguishing aerosols.
What this means is that the Duty Officer will carry the cannister and when arriving at a house fire, can activate the unit by pulling the ignition cord and throwing the cannister into the house, at the fire. The unit is able to control the fire, while awaiting the arrival of the Fire Department. Insurance Companies have recognized these units as reducing fire damage and will replace the unit, valued at around $1,200. There are of course limits as to what the DSPA can do. They won’t help if the house is fully engulfed in flames.
Brian’s generous donation adds one more tool to our effective fire fighting capabilities.
Brian is the son of Sig and Elizabeth Peterson who purchased their lot in the middle of Whaling Station Beach in 1954 and built their cabin using odd pieces of plywood and still stands to-day. You may know Sig by the paintings he sells every summer.
Don is another son of Sig and Elizabeth and he and his wife, Debra, just bought a place on St. John’s Point Road with the intention of retiring here in a year or so. Don and Debra were neighbours of Giff and Suzanne, when they both lived on Sumas Prairie and are the ones who introduced our Fire Chief to beautiful Hornby Island.