Side by Side Burn Demonstration

    

            
Educating the public on residential  home sprinkler systems was the purpose of the side by side  burn demonstration put on as a collaborative event sponsored by Columbia Fire Department, State Farm Insurance, National Fire Sprinkler Alliance (NFSA) and Columbia Area Career Center. Steve Crosswhite from  State Farm Insurance welcomed students, staff and local officials. Chris Gaut of the National Fire Sprinkler Alliance explained that the goal of his organization is to spread the word about the benefits of home sprinkler systems.

Joe Ege and Riley Johnson, two students involved in the event spoke on behalf of Columbia Area Career Center. Joe Ege  a Hickman High School junior, third year Ag student currently in  Advanced Ag Welding and Fabrication, and a member of the  2012-13 FFA Ag Mechanics team,spoke on the construction of the display. Riley Johnson, a Rock Bridge High School senior, HOSA-Future Health Professionals chapter president, and current EMT student spoke on the benefit of sprinklers. Both Joe and Riley are also members of the Columbia Fire Department Explorer Program which allows young people to gain exposure to the firefighting profession through planned activities with the department.

Fire Captain, John Metz served as the narrator of the event which consisted of lighting each room on fire to demonstrate how quickly fire damage occurs and how having a sprinkler system installed reduces the amount of damage. 

Firefighter, Jared Hatfield, a 2002 Hickman graduate and former career center student, answered students' questions and allowed students to use a thermal imaging camera to observe the actual temperature inside both rooms. 

A special thanks also was extended to Assistant Fire Marshall,  Lt. Lisa Todd for her coordination and behind the scenes work. 

Again, thanks to the sponsors of this event, State Farm Insurance, NFSA, Columbia Fire Department, CACC, CPCU and I-70 Towing. 

Side by Side Burn Display-Constructed by CACC students

Joe Ege and Riley Johnson, career center students and CFD Explorers

                                                                           

Fire is set from behind using ordinary household items in a trashcan

       

Sprinkler system set off at 51 second mark

Sprinkler system douses fire

Firefighters put out remainder of fire

                                                             

Minimal damage in room with a sprinkler

                                                                   

Identical rooms.Fire is set the same way, this room without a sprinkler

Plexiglass beginning to melt

Styrofoam cups melt at 400 degrees

Firefighters intervene at 3:40 minute mark
                                   

Final Damage of the side with  the sprinkler system

Final Damage of the side without sprinkler

                                                        

TV melted on the side without the sprinkler

                                                                           

Firefighter Jared Hatfield allowed student to use Thermal Imaging Camera

                     

A special thanks to the sponsors