Fire department teaches fire suppression to the public

BOWLING GREEN Ky.- The Bowling Green Fire Department invited people to the department’s training facility on Porter Pike to learn how to work with a very important piece of equipment, fire extinguishers.

The different types of fire extinguishers were explained, along with the techniques of how to put out fires safely, and efficiently. Class participant Diana Hunton said the class was very informative and important for safety.

“I just think it’s something that we all need to know, and I really wasn’t very knowledgeable about it. I have a fire extinguisher in my house, but I don’t think I was able to use it. There’s a lot of things I found out about it to help keep you safe,” Hunton said.

Part of the class involved using a fire extinguisher prop to put out a digital fire. This simulation gave the students a hands-on experience while in a safe environment. Fire safety educator Marlee Boenig said the use of a fire extinguisher is easy but essential for safety.

“I think there’s a lot more to it that people don’t realize because it is very easy to do. It can be a little intimidating if you’ve never done it before. This gives them a chance to use it in a setting that’s not dangerous,” Boenig said.

In those moments where a fire extinguisher can mean life or death, the knowledge of how to use it is key.

“All fires start small. If someone can use a fire extinguisher quickly before they’ve even called us, they can probably put the fire out long before we got there. We would rather people have it and use it to get themselves out of the building if they don’t feel comfortable using it on the fire. That way, them and their family can be safe,” Boenig said.