The Richmond Hill Fire Department recently received a new fire extinguisher training simulator through a safety grant from the Georgia Municipal Association.
The new system makes actual live fire training for organizations and corporations throughout Richmond Hill safer and more efficient, allowing the fire department to provide OSHA compliant training.
“We will be able to explain how fire behaves, how fire extinguishers work and the three classes of fire on a personal level,” said Capt. Andy Burriss. “With the portability of the new Bullex training simulator unit, we will be able to go out to the community to work with small groups giving hands-on experience in using fire extinguishers correctly and safely.”
The system generates a propane fire with electrical controls and is able to simulate the three main classes of fire on four intensity levels. The “smart” extinguishers work with ultrasonic waves and minimal water, adapting to the user by indicating incorrect use and adjusting the flames.
According to the department, the live-fire Intelligent Training System provides many advantages over the conventional burn pan, because there is no longer a need to discharge and recharge costly dry-chemical or CO2 extinguishers and the propane burns cleaner. The system is also safer with an electrical control unit that can quickly extinguish the fire if there is a safety concern.