By Joe Bachman

Funding for a new fire safety trailer is near completion, and the Wood County Fire Chiefs Association (WCFCA) is anxious to roll the trailer out to the public this Summer.

The trailer will be used by fire departments throughout Central Wisconsin at community events such as fairs, firemen’s picnics, parades and elementary schools. The purpose, ultimately, is to educate those of all ages on the importance of fire safety.

The interior of the interactive Fire Safety Trailer. (City Times Photo)

“The purpose of a trailer like this is to teach fire prevention, and fire safety,” said Grand Rapids Fire Chief Don Bohn, who is also Vice President of the WCFCA.

The trailer has been set up to teach fire safety and procedures in a multitude of scenarios, including kitchen fires, electrical fires, and general house fires. The way in which this information is delivered is unique, as each section of the trailer is built to simulate an actual fire that people can interact with, even down to a laser guided fire extinguisher for teach of proper use.

“It actually simulates fire — it glows orange, smoke starts rolling out, and infrared heaters kick on to start throwing heat at you,” said Bohn. “It’s as realistic as you can make it.”

Local Fire Chiefs and members from multiple donors were on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the trailer held last week. (Contributed Photo)

Funding efforts for the trailer kicked off in May of 2015, and is currently nearly $5,000 away from it’s goal. The total cost coming in at around $123,000, all of which has been donated by various businesses and residents.

“It’s so worth doing when you see these many kids coming through here and you see the excitement in them,” said Bohn.

The sentiment from the WCFCA is that educating even one person who may face a fire in their lifetime could be lifesaving. The trailer will be running and open to the public next on May 14, at Mark Motors in Plover.

To help the WCFCA meet their funding goals you can contact Incourage at 715-423-3863 or contact Don Bohn at 715-213-2961.