Little Compton Reveals New Fire Extinguisher Training System [VIDEO]

Businesses, civic organizations, municipal and school employees and virtually any group in Little Compton will have the chance to test out the town's new fire extinguisher training system, thanks to a recently received fire prevention grant.

The received an approximate $2,250 grant from FM Global, to go toward their purchase of an $8,000 SmartExtinguisher training system, according to Fire Marshal Donald Medeiros, who wrote the grant application. A check presentation with FM Global and demonstration of the system was held on Monday morning.

He said their BullEx SmartExtinguisher and supplies were purchased using the remainder of a 2009 assistance for firefighters grant. The system came with four different extinguishers, three carrying cases, an air compressor and a battery charger.

"What we'd like to do is have a fire extinguisher training program that we can roll out to the community and involve various organizations and anybody who would like to have fire extinguisher training," he said, adding that under the state's fire code, it's required that area businesses train their employees how to properly use a fire extinguisher. Medeiros said the program is still being formed.

"People think they know how to use one, but until they have to use one, you have to make sure you're using the right extinguisher for the class of fire and know how to manipulate the extinguisher to your best advantage," he said. "Most people have never had the need to use one. It's not just pulling the trigger."

The BullEx system is fed by propane and is controlled using a handheld device, which would typically be used by the instructor giving the demonstration, Medeiros noted. The extinguishers used for the demonstrations are filled with water and compressed air.

"One of the biggest reasons to purchase one of these systems [is] if you were trying to put on a fire extinguisher training program using dry chemical ones, it's messy and expensive," Medeiros said.

The new systems are a basic simulation of putting a fire out, and when water is sprayed, sensors on the BullEx system triggers to put its fire out.

"If you directed the stream directly at it, you'd have to sweep across the front and hit it at the base," Medeiros said.

He said the department's been fortunate the last few years with their fire prevention and firefighter assistance grants, and since 2004, Medeiros said Little Compton has received in excess of $500,000 for fire department grants for gear, compressors and other equipment. He noted they would loan the system to neighboring departments wishing to educate the public.

FM Global, based in Johnston, specializes in risk management and creating unique ways to prevent, control and insure against commercial and industrial property losses. They contribute funding worldwide, and especially in Rhode Island, to fire service organization. They award fire prevention grants quarterly to fire departments.