May 19--Yuba City firefighters want to teach you to fight digital fires.
"We want to make sure we can reach as many residents and business owners as possible," Fire Marshal Jim Mathews said. "If we can reach people through education first, maybe they won't have to see us show up at their house with a real fire truck."
A $4,000 donation from AAA of Marysville puts the department closer to buying a new fire education tool, dubbed the "Bullsye."
According to the company's website, the Bullseye uses computer and laser technology to simulate a small fire on a digital screen. Students and trainees point a simulated fire extinguisher at the screen and learn the proper technique for extinguishing a small fire.
"The computer can tell if a person is not extinguishing it correctly and lets them know," Mathews explained.
AAA of Marysville made the donation on Friday.
"I think it's a very worthy cause and should help save lives as well as property," AAA Business Manager Ian Blackett said.
Mathews said firefighters have provided training to the public for many years, but the new equipment will allow the training to be much safer, as well as cleaner and more cost-effective.
Mathews said firefighters usually start real small-scale fires to help people learn how to properly use an extinguisher.
"Business owners won't have to recharge the extinguishers anymore after the training," Mathews said.
Mathews said the department is still raising money to make the purchase.
CONTACT Rob Parsons at [email protected] or 749-4785. Find him on Facebook at /ADcrimebeat or on Twitter at @ADcrimebeat.
Copyright 2013 - Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.
