Kidde Mobile Fire Simulator

The Union Hose Fire Company, Annville, will receive a Kidde Mobile Fire Trainer ML500 on Thursday, August 10, 2006. This Fire Trainer is a state-of-the art, trailer-mounted mobile unit that allows live fire, gas-fueled training in a safe and environmentally sound manner.

This Fire Trainer was purchased and constructed as part of the 2005 Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program. The Union Hose Fire Company received $346,560 toward the purchase of this mobile burn trailer. The all volunteer fire company had to match $18,240 toward the purchase.

This Fire Trailer is computer-controlled and constantly monitors interior temperature and unburnt gas levels to ensure students safety. The unit features reconfigurable interior walls that create numerous search & rescue scenarios. The unit produces intense heat and flames and also generates a non-polluting, simulated smoke that obscures vision, just like in real fire situations. The unit has an expandable second floor and steps leading into the main trailer to simulate entry into a basement. The burn trailer operates on propane which will alleviate concerns of air or water pollution that are created when burning class-A materials.

This mobile Fire Trainer is only 1 of less than 15 in the entire United States. The trailer took approximately one year to construct by Kidde. This training trailer will be housed on the former Lebanon Valley Offset parking lot, Annville. The new owners of the property have graciously allowed the firefighters permission to store and train on this site.