Spring Hill Fire Department will buy an augmented reality fire extinguisher trainer with a $17,474 grant. Residents and groups can ask for a hands-on demo.

The Spring Hill Fire Department has won a $17,474 grant to buy a fire extinguisher training system. The money comes from the Gary Sinise Foundation’s First Responder Outreach Program, the city announced Tuesday.

The department will use it to buy the FiAR Fire Extinguisher Training System V2. It is an augmented reality tool. Trainees practice putting out a fire with real hardware, indoors or outdoors, without discharging chemicals or cleaning up afterward.

The department has had no extinguisher trainer for demonstrations or public education since 2024. The city said its previous device was outdated, did not work properly and needed extensive repairs. It was disposed of in 2024.

Who can use it

The department plans to take the trainer to residents, workplaces and community groups as part of its Community Risk Reduction program.

“This amazing technology takes advantage of augmented reality to bring realistic live training to any location for actual hands-on experience,” Fire Chief Graig Temple said. “Our Community Risk Reduction efforts extend beyond messaging and fire safety best practices; if you, your workplace, or community group would like to demo this device and get the hands-on training, contact Captain Lisa Burns.”

The city credited its finance team with winning the grant. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to accept the money through Resolution 26-281 on Oct. 5.

“We understand the work your department performs daily is imperative to the safety and security of the citizens of Spring Hill and surrounding areas,” said Madisen Gentry Moore, director of community outreach for the Gary Sinise Foundation.

The city has not said when the trainer will arrive.

The department also wants your views

A day after the grant news, the department asked residents to fill out a community survey. It is part of a full operational and organizational review the department is carrying out with the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service, known as UT MTAS. The review looks at how well the department’s current services meet residents’ needs and expectations, according to the city’s survey notice.

The notice gives no closing date for the survey.

What it means for you

  • Want extinguisher training? Ask the Spring Hill Fire Department for a demo for your household, workplace or group. The chief named Capt. Lisa Burns as the contact. The city’s release does not list a fee.
  • Have a view on the fire service? Take the department’s survey now, while the review is underway.
  • Keep up with calls on our Police and Fire log.