What was one of the first substances used for extinguishing fires before modern methods were developed?

The early methods of extinguishing fires primarily utilized simple materials that were readily available and effective for controlling flames. Among these, soda acid was a significant choice used in early firefighting efforts. Soda acid extinguishers worked by utilizing a chemical reaction between sodium bicarbonate and acid to produce carbon dioxide, which suffocated the fire. This method represented a step forward in firefighting technology during its time.

Water has been used for centuries, and while it is crucial for firefighting today, it was not as technically developed as soda acid extinguishers in earlier firefighting practices. Foam systems are a more modern innovation, developed later for fighting specific types of fires, especially liquid fires. Sand was indeed used historically to suffocate smaller fires but was not considered as effective or widely utilized as soda acid at that time.

Therefore, soda acid represents a significant advancement in early firefighting methods, highlighting its pivotal role before advanced techniques emerged.