The prominent display of these smothering devices, combined with their vibrant paint scheme, hopefully (according to their makers) keeps the importance of fire-prevention at the forefront of the minds of passers-by – a bit of passive advertising for preventative behavior change. What other messages does the open storage of fire-fighting equipment send? Consider the level of participation in the fire-fighting process that such a number and prominence of these tools implies. Consider how universal red is as the color of choice for “important fire-related message” – except for those green emergency exit signs in China.

The hooks affixed to the bar in front most likely once held buckets, meant for dumping sand on top of a fire, though the increased number of uses for a bucket as opposed to a fire smotherer unfortunately makes them riper for repurposing in other (non-firefighting) applications.