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Ferndale approves augmented-reality fire-extinguisher trainer for community outreach
Summary
The city approved purchase of a portable augmented-reality fire-extinguisher simulator for $17,474 to expand firefighter training and public education; the chief said state "smoke funds" and a fee schedule for private training will offset costs.
Ferndale’s council approved the purchase of an augmented-reality (AR) fire-extinguisher trainer — a handheld simulator paired with a tablet that projects programmatic fire scenarios — to expand community risk-reduction and extinguisher training.
The fire chief told council the device simulates multiple fire types, enforces the standard PASS method (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep), and lets trainers create custom scenarios without conducting live-burn exercises. The trainer weighs about 10 pounds, includes an iPad and app, and the vendor provides software and support; chief said no separate annual subscription fees are required. The council approved the purchase for $17,474 as submitted by the fire chief.
The chief said the department will use training and state ‘‘smoke funds’’ to cover the purchase and proposed a modest fee schedule for businesses that request on-site training so the program can be cost-neutral when used commercially. He said the tool removes many safety, environmental and logistical barriers that have limited public extinguisher training in the past.
Roll call recorded: Sabatini — yes; Makolski — yes; Johnson — yes; Kelly — yes; Leaks May — yes. Chief said he will verify warranty details and follow up with council on any extended-support options.
