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New system gets tested out

Putting out a fire will never be easier after people try out the newest device from the Burnaby Fire Department.

Putting out a fire will never be easier after people try out the newest device from the Burnaby Fire Department.

On Tuesday, Dan Kilpatrick, assistant chief fire prevention officer for the Burnaby Fire Department, had Mayor Derek Corrigan try out the new digital fire extinguisher training system that uses laser technology to show people how to fight a fire.

While an image of a fire plays on the 32 by 32 inch screen, participants hold a five-pound specially designed fire extinguisher and try to "put out" the fire. The extinguisher shoots out a laser and just like in real life, your extinguisher can run out before you finish putting out the fire.

Also part of the system is the ability to use a 20pound extinguisher that shoots water at the sensors on the screen.

"It's like a video game, but this is real-world training," said Kilpatrick, who also had Shane Biglow, fire prevention division inspector, help out with Corrigan's training.

"This is incredible," said Corrigan, adding that most people don't get a chance to use a fire extinguisher until they actually have to fight a fire.

The new training system will allow people to familiarize themselves with how a fire extinguisher works without having a huge mess to clean up or having to buy another fire extinguisher.

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