History of the AUGUSTUS Fire Tool^® Piercing Nozzle 

The genesis for development of the AUGUSTUS Fire Tool^® piercing nozzle was when two Maritime Fire Instructors observed the attempt and final extinguishment of a motor vehicle engine compartment fire on a ferry boat.  The time and effort required to open the car hood in order to apply the extinguishing agent was excessive and labor intensive, which could have resulted in injury to the firefighters.  The two instructors thought that there must be a better, faster, and above all a safer method to attack car fires.  It was this experience that lead to the development of a piercing nozzle for use with portable extinguishers that could easily penetrate a car’s engine, passenger, and trunk compartments, with one simple overhead swing, and also discharge an extinguishing agent directly into those compartments.  This concept would eliminate the need to forcibly open these compartment(s) exposing firefighters to the many hazards within these confined spaces, and without making any additional air entrances to intensify the fire. 

After documenting this concept and filing for a patent, a prototype tool for use with CO₂, Dry Chem. & Water Foam Extinguishers was produced and presented to prospective investors and business partners. In early 1994 a corporation was formed to make, manufacture and sell this new product.  Eventually two US Patents were issued for AUGUSTUS Fire Tool^® piercing nozzles during 1995 and 1996. 

A limited supply of what would eventually be designated the Series 100 AUGUSTUS Fire Tool^® piercing nozzle (sometimes referred to in European markets as the “Fire Hammer”) was produced and in May of 1994 it was introduced at a trade show in New York During the balance of 1994 this tool was exhibited at several more fire services trade shows.  Comments about the high quality of the tool and its operational concept at those shows were extremely positive and encouraging.  Sales for the Series 100 tool also began late in 1994. 

During early 1995 it became apparent, from input by fire services personnel at trade shows and demonstrations, that a similar tool for use with hoselines delivering higher volumes of extinguishing agents would be an excellent tool for extinguishing, not only car fires, but many other compartmentalized/confined space fires. This led to the development and production of the Series 200 piercing nozzle for use with hoselines.  This model delivers 25 times (55GPM) more extinguishing agent than the Series 100. The Series 200 tool is designed to be used with booster tank operations for quick knock down and extinguishment of fires in various Compartmentalized Areas such as: lightweight construction voids, balloon frame walls, attics, trailer & motor homes, trailer & box trucks, shipping containers, storage sheds, dumpsters, air & exhaust ducts, chimney chases, etc., in addition to motor vehicle fires.  While the tool's operation is relatively simple, the extinguishing power provided by the steam expansion of 55 GPM of water (also compatible with foam) at Pump Discharge Pressures (PDP) between 135 to 155 PSI is greatly amplified because the fire is confined/isolated in an enclosed area.  The tool’s specially designed periphery discharge pattern produces minimal nozzle reaction and also significantly minimizes the amount of extinguishing agent required. 

Again during 1995, with input from fire services personnel, mounting and support accessories were produced for use in special “Rig-Ready” turnkey packages requiring nothing more than finding a location on a piece of fire apparatus and drilling four holes.  At this time the Series 200 “Rig-Ready” package is in the highest demand. 

Requests during 1996 for a hoseline tool to penetrate slightly deeper than the Series 200 piercing nozzle led to the development of the Series 300 tool.  This model has a 7-1/4” penetration depth that is 2-1/8” more than the Series 200.  During this new model’s introduction suggestions where received for a model with the handle of the tool to meet the piercing head at 105 degrees.  This configuration would allow for use on vertical walls and eliminate the potential for a firefighter's hands to come in contact with the wall upon full penetration.  Again this recommendation was incorporated into both hoseline Series and is designated by an “A” in the various stock numbers.