Fire Extinguisher Training

[JoeReed]

I am in charge of conducting fire extinguisher training classes to local businesses. I have been continuing the same hands-on training portion that guys on the department have done for years. I mix 1/2 gasoline and 1/2 diesel in an aluminum turkey pan and torch it off, then have people file through with an extinguisher to put it out. This creates two problems; One is that there is a large amount of black smoke given off, and two is there is no real way to control the flame. I have been looking into purchasing a propane prop and would like to know if there are any recommendations from other departments out there on this subject? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Joe Reed, Public Information/Education Officer
Grand Junction Fire Department

[ADSNWFLD]

an aluminum turkey pan? An aluminum Pteranodon pan would be too small. Get at liest a 9 sqft pan, any smaller and it is too easy to put out. Hell 9 sqft is too easy. let the students respect the fire, a candle won't do it.

As for the smoke, fire gives off smoke. Pan fires will not prepare people to deal with a small fire in a structure, but with the smoke they can see what they are in for

[OARMedic]

We have used a 55 gal drum cut in half lengthwise. I agree, the more smoke, the more realistic.

[lutan1]

I have been looking into purchasing a propane prop and would like to know if there are any recommendations from other departments out there on this subject?

Have used a gas powered unit for a couple of years-

PRO's
* Smokeless (Not perfect, but certainly very little)
* Use anywhere (Generate very little heat with a flame of around .5 - 1 metre high) I've used mine directly under installed sprinkler systems in underground carparks with no problems! Beware the VESDA's though!
* Compact
* No residue
* Don't need to transport jerry cans, etc
* Safe- can kill the gas supply with the flick of a switch (Causes a solenoid on the supply line to close)

CON's
* Only use CO2 extinguishers (See next con)
* Electronic components can be damaged by water, foam or powder's

Overall, I like the unit. Perhaps you need to think about who your teaching becasue if they need all forms of extinguishers then these may not be the ideal device...