CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. — Citrus County Fire Rescue has announced the arrival of a state-of-the-art fire safety trailer, replacing the original unit that served the community for over 30 years.
“While the old trailer helped educate thousands of school-aged children on life-saving fire safety practices, the new trailer — manufactured by Lion — brings a modern, immersive experience designed to better prepare residents for real-life emergencies,” Citrus County Fire Rescue said in a news release.
You can read the rest of the release below.
Fire safety trailers are interactive and highly realistic training tools that simulate common home fire scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. The new trailer features two main training zones:
Bedroom Emergency Scenario
Children learn critical survival skills such as:
- Feeling a heated door to determine fire on the other side
- Blocking smoke from entering by sealing the bottom of the door
- Listening for a smoke alarm
- Practicing safe escape through the E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The Home) window
Kitchen Emergency Scenario
Trainees are challenged with a realistic kitchen fire, including:
- Smoke and flames from the oven, stove, and microwave, and a toaster that simulates appliance fires
- Heat intensifying with overhead heaters
- A trash can ignition and smoke detector activation
- Using a laser training extinguisher to knock down the fire
- Turning off appliances to prevent reignition
If the fire isn’t quickly controlled, participants experience a safe evacuation simulation, reinforcing the urgency of acting fast and smart in real emergencies.
Advanced Emergency Communications Simulation
The trailer also includes interactive phones that, when dialed to 911, play a recorded dispatcher’s voice. Instructors can communicate live with participants through these phones, simulating real emergency calls and helping trainees practice proper communication with emergency dispatchers.
Storm Simulation Experience
In addition to fire scenarios, the trailer features immersive storm simulations including hurricane, tornado, flood, and earthquake conditions. This unique feature helps participants recognize the signs of severe weather, understand associated risks, and learn important safety measures to protect themselves and their families.
“This new fire safety trailer is more than just an upgrade — it’s a powerful step forward in fulfilling our mission of exceptional service through prevention, response, and education,” said Fire Chief Craig Stevens. “By providing realistic, hands-on learning experiences, we’re equipping our community — especially our youngest residents — with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe. This trailer helps us deliver on our vision of reducing risk and making Citrus County a safer place to live, work, and visit.”
The trailer will be used throughout Citrus County at schools, community events, and public safety demonstrations. It represents the continued commitment to proactive fire prevention and safety education.
For more information or to request the fire safety trailer at an event, contact Citrus County Fire Rescue’s Administration Office at 352-527-5406 or submit your request online.