History of Flare in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2024

Flares, also known as fusées or bengalas, are pyrotechnic devices that emit bright light or intense heat without exploding. They serve various purposes, including distress signaling, illumination, and defensive countermeasures in both civilian and military contexts. Flares can be deployed as ground pyrotechnics, projectile pyrotechnics, or parachute-suspended to maximize illumination time. Projectile flares can be launched from aircraft, rockets, artillery, flare guns, or handheld percussive tubes.

1922: Introduction of Landing Flares

In 1922, a "landing flare" was introduced, consisting of an aerial candle attached to a parachute. Its purpose was to assist airplanes in landing during darkness. These flares burned for under four minutes with a candlepower of around 40,000 lumens.

1925: Early Mention of Red Distress Signals

In 1925, the United States Bureau of Mines mentioned the use of 12 handheld rocket-propelled parachute red flare distress signals for ocean-going ships. This marked an early adoption of red for distress signaling.

December 17, 1979: Red as a Universal Color for Distress Signals

On December 17, 1979, the United States adopted red as part of a "Universal color language" for distress signals. This led to the international recognition of red distress rockets and flares as symbols of a ship in distress.

2003: US Court Ruling on Perchlorate in Flares

In 2003, a federal district court in California ruled that the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) applied to the use of perchlorate in pyrotechnic devices like flares. This was because perchlorate, being ignitable, was classified as a "characteristic" hazardous waste.