Columbia Fire Department Adds Training Simulator

The department now offers hands-on fire extinguisher training to local organizations and businesses using a laser-equipped simulator.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Language Learning

Bold vector editorial illustration of a red fire extinguisher aiming a light beam at a blank teal flame shape against a cream wall. — The Columbia Fire Department has added a laser-equipped Bullseye extinguisher simulator, offering hands-on training to local businesses and organizations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you take hands-on fire extinguisher training if offered locally?

The Columbia Fire Department has introduced a new fire extinguisher training simulator called Bullseye, purchased three weeks ago. The department has begun offering classes to organizations and businesses in Columbia.

Why it matters

The simulator lets people practice extinguishing fires hands-on in a safe setting, preparing them for real emergencies. It replaces a roughly 20-year-old system that used real fire.

Some training classes have included more than 100 participants, and the Bullseye simulator replaces a system about 20 years old that used real fire. The extraction does not report total class counts or cumulative participants since the simulator arrived.

The players

Columbia Fire Department

The municipal fire agency serving Columbia, which operates the new training simulator and schedules classes for local groups.

The details

The Bullseye simulator uses a fire extinguisher equipped with a laser and a digital screen that displays flames. When the laser hits the screen, the screen senses where the extinguisher is aimed and begins putting out the digital fire, and the unit can be used indoors.

Columbia Fire Department purchased the simulator three weeks ago.
Training classes have been offered to organizations and businesses since the purchase.

Culture Shift

Laser-equipped Bullseye simulators are replacing live-fire extinguisher training, reflecting a move toward safer, indoor hands-on practice for everyday emergency preparedness. This local adoption follows that broader shift away from training that required real flames.

Columbia residents and local organizations can schedule training sessions by calling the Columbia Fire Department at 573-874-7391. Participation requires contacting the department directly to arrange a class.

The takeaway

Hands-on practice with a fire extinguisher can build confidence for real emergencies. Organizations and residents in Columbia can arrange training through the fire department.