Artificial and natural gas hydrates have a great potential as environmentally friendly fire suppressants. In this research, we have developed a novel self-activating hydrate extinguisher and tested it in different types of fires. The extinguisher stops the flame combustion at the moment of activation due to the shock wave produced by its burst. Then the gas hydrate spreads over the surface of the burning fuel, its ice shell melts, thus reducing the temperature in the seat of the fire and releasing the inert gas, which displaces the oxidizer from the combustion zone. The experiments have shown that the extinguisher response time can be adjusted by varying such parameters as the mass of hydrate and the volume of the free space in the extinguisher, the amount of added water, and the type of mechanical impact on the extinguisher. We have also developed a conceptual framework for the production of self-activating hydrate extinguishers and their delivery to the seat of the fire. Overall, the research findings pave the way for improving the efficiency of firefighting means by making them more environmentally friendly, less damaging to the equipment, and as suitable as possible to the world of today.