Media post: Fire Safety Sticks: Are They Really Effective for Motorsport Use?

Fire safety sticks are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional fire extinguishers in motorsport, but many drivers are still unsure whether they provide real protection in an emergency. Fire remains one of the most serious risks in racing, yet it’s also the hazard that many club-level competitors are least prepared to handle.

For decades, the standard solution has been plumbed-in fire suppression systems designed to flood the cockpit and engine bay with extinguishing agent at the push of a button. Recently, however, a newer and more compact option has started appearing in paddocks: the fire safety stick.

Marketed as lightweight, easy to store, and simple to deploy, these devices claim to deliver effective fire suppression without the complexity of traditional systems. But how well do they actually perform in a real motorsport scenario?

In this article, we’ll examine the science behind fire safety sticks, compare them with conventional fire suppression systems, and assess whether they’re a viable safety option for racing drivers.

What Is a Fire Safety Stick, and How Does It Work?

A fire safety stick is a compact fire suppression device designed to stop flames by interrupting the chemical reaction that allows fire to continue burning. Unlike traditional extinguishers, which rely on pressurised gas to discharge foam, powder, or CO₂, a fire safety stick contains a solid potassium-based compound that produces a stream of fire-inhibiting particles when activated.

When struck at the base to activate, the device emits a controlled aerosol of potassium radicals that combine with the free radicals responsible for sustaining combustion. By disrupting this chain reaction, the fire loses the chemical energy it needs to keep burning and gradually extinguishes.

This approach allows the device to tackle several common fire types. Fire safety sticks are certified for Class A fires (solid materials such as plastics or upholstery), Class B (flammable liquids like petrol), Class C (flammable gases), Class E (electrical fires up to 100,000V), and Class F (cooking oils).

Despite their capability, the devices are extremely compact. The 50-second model (FSS50) weighs 275 grams, measures 25.9 cm in length, and provides a minimum of 50 seconds of emission time once activated.

Another key advantage is cleanliness. Compared to traditional dry powder extinguishers, the aerosol leaves no corrosive residue, meaning there is little risk of damage to electronics or engine components, an important consideration in motorsport where sensitive equipment is at risk. Because the device is non-pressurised and requires no professional servicing, it also has a minimum 15-year shelf life.

Fire Safety Stick vs Traditional Motorsport Extinguishers 

One of the most common questions drivers ask is whether a fire safety stick can replace a traditional fire extinguisher. The short answer is no. While the device offers practical advantages, it is not designed to replace the safety systems required in regulated motorsport.

From 1 January 2022, Motorsport UK requires all competition vehicles to be fitted with an FIA-homologated plumbed-in fire suppression system meeting FIA Technical List 16 or 52 requirements. For stage rallying specifically, competitors must also carry a hand-held extinguisher, with a minimum of 2.4 litres of AFFF foam or 2 kg of gas, alongside their plumbed-in system.

The fire safety stick, by comparison, is much smaller and simpler. It doesn’t rely on pressurised gas, requires no servicing, and leaves no corrosive residue when deployed. However, its intended role is different: it works best as a supplementary safety device rather than a primary system.

For this reason, a fire safety stick is best viewed as an additional layer of protection. It can be particularly useful for track day cars where plumbed systems are not mandatory, or as an emergency extinguisher kept in a road car, service van, or support vehicle.

Do Fire Safety Sticks Actually Work? Real-World Testing 

Drivers often ask a simple question: do fire safety sticks actually work? Testing and real-world usage suggest that yes, they do, provided they are used in the right situation.

Key points from testing and real-world use:

– Certified performance: The FSS holds the European CE mark and UK UKCA mark of approval, along with independent test certifications confirming its effectiveness across Classes A, B, C, E (electrical up to 100,000V) and F. Note: it does not currently hold the BSi Kitemark, as existing BSi EN3 approval processes are based on traditional pressurised extinguishers and a new approval pathway for this type of device has not yet been created.

– Effective against fuel fires: Rated for Class B fires involving flammable liquids such as petrol, the most common type of fire in motorsport incidents.

– How they suppress flames: When activated, the device releases a potassium-based aerosol that interrupts the chemical chain reaction sustaining combustion, causing the flames to collapse rather than simply smothering them.

– Proven technology: According to the manufacturer, the compound was originally created during the 1960s space programme for protecting spacecraft instruments, and was later redeveloped as a handheld product. This claim originates from the manufacturer and has not been independently verified.

– Clean suppression: Unlike powder or foam extinguishers, the aerosol leaves no corrosive residue, reducing the risk of damage to electronics or engine components.

– Time limitation: With a minimum emission time of 50 seconds (FSS50) or 100 seconds (FSS100), the device is designed for small or early-stage fires, not fully developed vehicle fires.

Editorial verdict: Fire safety sticks can be very effective when used quickly on a contained fire. However, if a fire is already spreading rapidly, the priority should always be evacuating the vehicle and allowing marshals to deploy full suppression equipment.

Who Should Carry a Fire Safety Stick?

A fire safety stick isn’t intended to replace regulated fire suppression systems, but it can be a useful additional safety tool for several groups involved in motorsport.

Who benefits most from carrying one:

– Track day drivers: Track days rarely require FIA plumbed fire systems, but the fire risk is still real. A fire safety stick kept within reach in the cabin provides lightweight, easy-to-use insurance if a small fire occurs.

– Rally service crews: Service parks involve refuelling, hot engines, and electrical tools operating in close quarters. Keeping a fire safety stick in the service van alongside the main extinguisher kit offers a fast-response option if a minor fire starts during servicing.

– Road car enthusiasts: Performance cars with aftermarket exhaust systems, turbo upgrades, or modified fuel systems can carry higher fire risk than standard vehicles. A compact fire safety stick provides an extra layer of protection without taking up much space.

– Marshals and spectators: The device is small enough to carry in a bag or large jacket pocket, making it a practical option for quick intervention if a small fire breaks out before larger extinguishers arrive.

For situations where regulations require traditional equipment, competitors should still carry hand-held motorsport fire extinguishers alongside any supplementary devices.

Where to Buy a Fire Safety Stick for Motorsport 

Fire safety sticks are easy to find online, but if you’re buying one for motorsport use, it’s usually better to purchase from a specialist motorsport retailer rather than general marketplaces like Amazon or eBay.

Motorsport suppliers understand the safety requirements of racing and rallying and can advise on how a fire safety stick fits into your wider safety setup. This is particularly useful if you’re also installing a plumbed fire suppression system or want to make sure your car complies with FIA regulations and scrutineering requirements.

Buying from a specialist also means you can often bundle the device with other safety equipment, such as portable extinguishers, brackets, or plumbed-in systems, ensuring everything works together as part of a complete fire protection package.

In terms of cost, most fire safety sticks retail for around £60 to £75, less than the price of a typical tank of race fuel. Considering the potential safety benefits, it’s a relatively small investment for added peace of mind.

If you want to see the specifications or add one to your safety kit, you can find it on Race and Rally’s Fire Safety Stick page.

Final Verdict

Fire safety sticks offer an effective, affordable, and zero-maintenance way to add an extra layer of fire protection in motorsport. Their lightweight design, residue-free suppression, and simple operation make them a practical tool to have on hand when seconds matter.

However, they do not replace FIA-mandated fire suppression systems required for competition. Plumbed-in systems and approved extinguishers remain the primary safety equipment for race and rally cars.

Where fire safety sticks truly shine is as a smart supplementary device. Whether you’re a driver, mechanic, or enthusiast, keeping one close by is simply good practice.

If you want to see the specifications or add one to your safety kit, you can find it on Race and Rally’s Fire Safety Stick page.