LUCERNE, Calif. – Northshore Fire Protection District firefighters spent Saturday training with a unique piece of fire equipment.

For the first time, Northshore Fire personnel were able to train with a specially constructed mobile Fireblast trailer owned by Kelseyville Fire Department.

Northshore Battalion Chief Jamie Crabtree said Kelseyville Fire purchased the trailer with a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The trailer was set up at Northshore Fire’s Nice Fire Station for the daylong training, in which about 20 firefighters took part, said Northshore Fire Capt. Dave Emmel.

The Fireblast unit is a simulator that allows firefighters to train in a realistic but safe environment.

An operator directs the action from a computer panel inside a small booth in the trailer. The trailer has two other rooms, much like the rooms inside a residence.

“This is about the safest you can make any live fire exercise,” said Emmel.

While one team of firefighters made their way through the trailer – where flames crawled across the ceiling and the walls – another group was on the roof of the unit working on creating roof vents, which Emmel said is a common plan of attack for structure fires.

Firefighters have numerous requirements that they must fulfill in order to keep current on necessary certifications, and they participate in weekly trainings, Emmel said.

He said Saturday’s training fulfilled a number of requirements involving skills such as nozzle and ventilation work, and chainsaw use.

Emmel said the district hopes to hold annual trainings with the trailer.

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