Element Fire Extinguisher Test

I bought a 50 second Element Fire Extinguisher for my Jeep Scrambler. I had watched a few test videos on YouTube but wanted to test it myself.

We put a 50/50 mix of used motor oil and gasoline into three drain pans and built a wood fire. We lit up everything and tried the Element Extinguisher on them.

Unfortunately it failed pretty good. I really had high hopes as I wanted to put the 100 second extinguisher in my kitchen and garage and 50 second ones in all my vehicles.

It was a little windy but not too bad. You can see from the flames and pattern of chemical coming out of the Element. It did put the fire out in the immediate front of the extinguisher but if ANY flame was left, it re-lit. The Element did not have enough output to kill even the first pan of fire. I was hoping to put them all out. And I had to get very close to the fire to have any effect.

Even the wood fire was a challenge for the Element. The flames went out quickly but as soon as the red hot coals got new air, they re-lit too. This was 100% wood - we lit small pieces first. No fuel or other starter material was used on the wood fire.

It burnt for more than the 50 seconds so that was good.

We should have filmed it but all four fires were easily and quickly put out by the traditional 5 lb First Alert dry chemical extinguisher I have always carried. There was a decent amount left in the extinguisher too after putting out all of the fires.

I think the Element might be okay on small fires where the spray can totally cover the fire and ALL fuel. But seeing how easily and quickly the traditional extinguisher worked, I can't chance it with just an Element. Yes, you have the mess to clean up but at least the fire is out and the damage was limited.

If anyone has any feedback on the test, please leave it below. For me, I will continue to carry a dry chemical extinguisher or two.