The Side-by-Side Live Fire Demonstration, held at Newberry College on Jan. 29, was made possible by a grant from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.
Eight out of 10 fire fatalities occur in the home, according to the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition.
A typical home fire can produce heat up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
This firefighter uses a pike pole to clear away any hazardous debris before the arrival of the hose team.
Chief Keith Minick said 10-year lithium battery smoke detectors can be purchased for a low cost and simply need to be checked monthly.
A confirmation signal is given to indicate the fire has been completely neutralized.
Using no accelerants, the demonstration simulated how a typical trashcan fire can spread quickly.
The fire in the sprinkler-protected unit was suppressed prior to the arrival of the firefighters, significantly decreasing the damage.
Firefighters from the City of Newberry and across the county volunteered their services to the demonstration.
“We teach kids to practice EDITH (Exit Drills In The HOME),” said Chief Keith Minick. These include knowing at least two exit routes, making sure windows are operable and closing doors when exiting a burning house which helps to contain fires.
The damage was severely reduced when a fire sprinkler system was utilized.
The “before” of the sprinkler-protected unit.
From the time of the fire’s ignition, just 2 and a half minutes elapsed before the room was completely engulfed in flames.
The “before” of the unprotected unit.