Nappy technology fights fires

A British company, which manufactures a fire fighting substance similar to that used in babies' nappies, is taking its product to Latin America.

Acqua Lider, based in Cockermouth, Cumbria, has landed a deal to supply all 13 South American countries with a state-of-the art backpack extinguisher and fire retardant additive.

Managing director Gordon Springell said the "revolutionary" product consisted of tiny granular pellets similar to the substance used to make babies' nappies.

When sprayed onto fires from a backpack, they expand and create a foam-like substance which starves it of oxygen.

He said that when used effectively, the eco-friendly gel can cut the amount of water needed to extinguish fires by as much as 40%.

'Hard work'

Mr Springell said it was particularly effective in fighting moorland and forest fires where it was difficult to get water.

Earlier this year, UK firefighters helped tackle the devastating forest fires in Portugal using the back-packs.

Mr Springell, who runs the company with his wife Gillian, said he had developed the products in 1989, but an abundance of water in the UK meant it had been slow to take off.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted with the South American success. It comes after a lot of hard work, long hours and ups and downs.

"Up until recently, exports accounted for a mere 5% of my turnover but by June this year that figure will have risen to 70%."

Mr Springell is also enjoying export success Down Under where he is supplying backpacks to the Australia States Fire Brigades and is currently working to develop markets in Hong Kong and Croatia.