Abstract: In the method for extinguishing fires in enclosed spaces, pre-cooled combustion products are introduced into an enclosed space until in the enclosed space there is an atmosphere that prevents combustion. An ecologically acceptable and fire-inhibiting medium that is not detrimental to health is formed by oxidizing the combustion products completely by an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent prior to cooling. An apparatus for implementing the method has a housing (1) which is divided by a transversely running partition wall (11) having at least one wall opening (15). At the at least one wall opening (15) a mixing tube (8) is mounted coaxially with respect to a discharge nozzle (2) connected to a combustion chamber (14), the end of the mixing tube remote from the partition wall (11) opening into the atmosphere. The space (7) between the mixing tube (8) and the inner wall of the housing (1) is filled with a coolant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pyrotechnical, aerosol-forming composition for the purpose of extinguishing fires in confined spaces, containing potassium nitrate in a quantity of 67-72% by mass, phenolformaldehyde resin in a quantity of 8-12% by mass and dicyandiamide as the balance, wherein the particles of the potassium nitrate have a maximum average diameter of 25 .mu.m, the particles of the phenolformaldehyde resin have a maximum average diameter of 100 .mu.m and the particles of the dicyandiamide have a maximum average diameter of 15 .mu.m,A further object of the invention is a method for the preparation of the composition, which can be manufactured in conventional installations, by preparing a phenolformaldehyde solution using a mixture of ethyl alcohol with acetone in a ratio of 30-50:70-50 and by mixing and subsequently granulating during the drying process at 20.degree.-70.degree. C. The drying process is preferably performed at 40.degree. C. by circulating air.