Laser-driven extinguisher training benefits Gunfighter community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Sutton
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  The 366th Civil Engineering Squadron's fire prevention office here is currently using a new training simulator to teach proper fire extinguisher handling skills to members of the Gunfighter community.

The BullsEye laser-driven system is one of the latest advancements in fire extinguisher training technology.

According to the website, the BullsEye system features clean, safe and effective training by sensing where the user aims and sweeps the laser training extinguisher. Then, it automatically varies the light emitting diode (LED) digital flames in response to the user's actions.

This allows trainees to learn how to effectively use a fire extinguisher without the cost and clean-up associated with using dry-chemical or carbon dioxide extinguishers. The BullsEye's electronic control system responds to the trainees' actions, putting the fire out only when the extinguisher is used correctly.

"This fantastic new training system will absolutely help us educate the Gunfighter community on proper fire extinguisher methods," explained Staff Sgt. Kurt J. Trausch, 366th CES noncommissioned officer in charge of fire prevention. "It is lightweight, extremely portable, easy to use and, during the winter, we can conduct training inside away from the snow and ice."

The system simulates three of the five different classes of fire: Class A, B, C, D and K. Class A, ordinary combustibles such as wood or paper, is the most common type.

BullsEye simulates class A, B and C fires at four difficulty levels and has the capability of grading trainees on their performance. The digital flames and a laser training extinguisher provide a realistic simulation for trainees without the hazards associated with conventional fire extinguisher training. Potentially, hundreds of individuals can be trained in a single day without recharging any extinguishers.

"One of my favorite features is the water mode of the training where individuals get a chance to shoot water from special training extinguishers at the system in order to give them a more realistic training simulation based on the class type of fire it is," said Trausch.

National Fire Prevention Week is scheduled for October 9-15. The fire prevention office will be showcasing the BullsEye fire extinguisher training simulator at many places around base such as the youth center, child development center, base exchange and fitness center.

For more information or to sign up for the fire extinguisher training, please call the emergency communications center at (208) 828-6292. For more information on the BullsEye system, visit www.bullexsafety.com.