New fire safety training simulation comes to San Lorenzo Valley
Jeanette Bent
BEN LOMOND, Calif. (KION-TV) — San Lorenzo Valley fire volunteers announced that they’ve received a federal grant to help educate the community regarding fire safety and prevention.
They said that in 2024, the US Department of Homeland Security awarded a FEMA Disaster Fire Prevention and Safety grant for $269.806.69 to the Ben Lomond Fire Protection District (BLFPD) along with Boulder Creek FPD, Felton FPD and Zayante FPD to purchase a new, contemporary Fire Safety Education Trailer and specialized training fire extinguishers.
“The award recognizes the courage, passion, and perseverance of our volunteer firefighters who show us every day that they are committed to doing everything they can to protect life and property in our mountain communities,” said Ben Lomond Fire Chief Stacie Brownlee.
Now, the four SLV fire districts can replace the 37-year-old Fire Safety Education Trailer with a newer model with specialized training fire extinguishers.
“Trailer features include many safety demonstrations, such as earthquake and storm simulations, doors that heat up with smoke, artificial fire extinguishers that teach the participants how to put out various fires, barbecue gas shut off, and a stove that simulates catching on fire,” said the fire district.
The new trailer is also set to be transported to each school site in October to help demonstrate hands-on tours and special curriculum for students.
“Since 1999, the volunteer firefighters of the fire districts – Ben Lomond, Zayante, Boulder Creek, and Felton – have conducted hands-on classroom and trailer instruction at SLV preschools and elementary classrooms, reaching more than 1,100 students and their families annually,” said the district. “The new trailer will serve more than 1,500 SLV students. Collectively, these volunteer fire departments serve more than 34,000 residents of the San Lorenzo Valley.”
A video tour of the Fire Safety Education Trailer is available here.