The Kmart parking lot was a hot place Wednesday night as the Statesboro Fire Department held a live fire training session. Around 40 onlookers watched flames shoot 30 feet in the air as the SFD conducted a class on handling pressurized container emergencies.
Fire Chief Dennis Merrifield said the training is essential in Bulloch County considering the are so many natural gas and propane users.
"Gas is very prevalent in our community, (since) barbeque grills and restaurants all use gas," said Merrifield. "This training teaches them how to put those fires out in a safe and efficient manner."
Specialized equipment that simulated a propane tank fire and the instructor who coordinated the excercies were provided by the Georgia Fire Academy. This was at no cost to Statesboro or the fire department, except for firemen's wages and the cost of the water.
In addition, AmeriGas provided the propane used in the training session, free of charge to the city.
Merrifield said the key in a natural gas fire is to cool the tank, which prevents an explosion of the tank and allows firefighters to get close enough to close the valve.
Fire Chief Dennis Merrifield said the training is essential in Bulloch County considering the are so many natural gas and propane users.
"Gas is very prevalent in our community, (since) barbeque grills and restaurants all use gas," said Merrifield. "This training teaches them how to put those fires out in a safe and efficient manner."
Specialized equipment that simulated a propane tank fire and the instructor who coordinated the excercies were provided by the Georgia Fire Academy. This was at no cost to Statesboro or the fire department, except for firemen's wages and the cost of the water.
In addition, AmeriGas provided the propane used in the training session, free of charge to the city.
Merrifield said the key in a natural gas fire is to cool the tank, which prevents an explosion of the tank and allows firefighters to get close enough to close the valve.