Explosive bomb poses as antique fire extinguisher

A home in Costorphine Edinburgh has been invaded by police, the fire service and bomb squad within a month of a new families arrival after a fire check found an antique fire extinguisher in the loft. The device could have exploded causing extreme damage to the home and surrounding properties.

The 80 year old detached house in Craigs Avenue, Edinburgh was visited by fire services on Friday September 18 on a routine safety check. They continued up into the loft of the property when they came across the fire extinguisher, which was stamped with a date of 1940. The fire extinguishers from this time are ball shaped and were used to roll into a fire, which would then explode; inside is an explosive charge surrounded by powder which would extinguish the flames.

After 70 years of sitting around, it is probable that the powder inside the fire extinguisher would have gone hard, leaving it a ticking time bomb. Police sealed off the area leaving it free for the Army bomb squad to enter the property and ensure that it was safe.

The fire extinguisher is now being used as an antique and can take pride of place in a museum. Fire officials are warning people who may have a similar device dating back from wartime Britain to inform fire officials immediately as they can be unstable objects.

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September 23^rd 2009

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