Description

Kornél Szilvay (1890–1957) was a Hungarian mechanical engineer, fire brigade colonel, and former fire chief of Budapest, renowned for his innovations in modern fire protection, particularly as the inventor of the dry extinguishing method and powder extinguishing equipment.

During his student years, Szilvay gained exposure to firefighting while pursuing technical studies. He earned his technician diploma from the Higher Industrial School in Budapest, where he actively engaged with the fire brigade unit at the Schlick factory and later joined the volunteer firefighters organization in the capital. His career in firefighting began in 1914, initially as a technical officer, eventually rising to the position of chief officer of the professional fire brigade in Budapest. His tenure involved extensive development work, leading numerous extinguishing operations, including the water-saving extinguishing of the dome fire at the Basilica of St. Stephen in Budapest in 1947.

With 39 patented inventions to his name, Szilvay's most notable contribution remains the dry extinguisher, which bears his name. This innovation revolutionized fire suppression by utilizing materials that disrupt the combustion process, such as extinguishing gases and powders, thereby minimizing water damage during firefighting efforts. Szilvay filed for patent protection for this method in 1928, offering an alternative to traditional water-based extinguishing methods and gaining widespread adoption worldwide.

Engraver: Balázs Bitó