Abstract: The present invention provides a fire extinguishing pod (11) for use in fighting a target area of a fire. The pod comprises a housing (15) for housing a fire retardant (16). The housing comprises a thin-walled outer casing (17) and a light weight container (19) which receives and contains the fire retardant. Upon detonation of the container the housing disintegrates into small pieces and the fire retardant is released from the pod. After detonation the pieces are of a size which will not cause injury should the pieces fall on property or persons.