Fire science students at Macomb Community College now have a new set of tools to learn about the latest in what’s known as special hazards fire extinguisher systems.
“Fire fighting is based on more than 100 years of tradition, but we are bringing the latest, emerging technologies into that tradition,” said Ken Staelgraeve, professor of fire science at Macomb.
Over the summer, a large simulator was installed in a classroom in A Building on the college’s Center Campus in Clinton Township, Mich., to demonstrate the various types of extinguisher systems that are often installed in industrial and commercial settings. According to Staelgraeve, the systems are used in a variety of settings where water can’t be used to put out fires, such as in computer networking rooms or where other sophisticated electronic systems would be destroyed by water.
When area firefighters respond to fires in these types of settings, they often arrive to find an extinguisher system that has already discharged, meaning there can be different types of chemical agents present and the systems themselves need to be turned off or otherwise reconfigured.
The system, which cost about $25,000 to install, was paid for using an $80,000 Perkins Technology Grant. The remainder of the grant was used to purchase a trailer that is equipped with a number of different types of extinguisher systems. Combined, the classroom and the trailer allow the fire science faculty a great deal of flexibility to provide instruction over a wide variety of extinguisher systems and in a wide variety of settings. Staelgraeve said in addition to traditional students, local fire chiefs have already expressed interest in having their personnel trained on the new Macomb equipment.
“We can use the system in a traditional class, bring in fire marshals and current firefighters for a seminar or take the trailer out to the fire house for a day of training,” said Staelgraeve, who spent 20 years as a firefighter in nearby Harrison Township, Mich.
The enhanced training opportunities are part of Macomb's Public Service Institute, which provides entry-level and advanced training opportunities for students and working professionals in the areas of police, fire, paramedic, and industrial health & safety.

Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually.  Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan.  The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities. 

Media Contact:
Dan Heaton
(586) 445-7271
heatond@macomb.edu