SUMTER COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – A partnership between South Sumter Middle School and Sumter County Fire & EMS is giving students a unique hands-on learning experience while helping firefighters train for real-life emergencies.
As part of the collaboration, students built training dollhouses used by firefighters to demonstrate fire behavior and safety techniques during live burn exercises. The demonstration allowed students to watch one of their construction projects move through various stages of a controlled fire, showing how quickly conditions can change during an emergency.
Officials said the exercise gave students a better understanding of fire prevention, safety and the science behind how fires spread, while also introducing them to some of the tools firefighters use in the field.
“At the same time, this partnership allowed students to see how quickly fire conditions can change, understand the importance of fire safety and experience some of the tools firefighters use in the field. Education like this can have a lasting impact,” officials said.
Construction teacher Eric Studebaker said the experience has been rewarding for students and beneficial for the community.
“We are excited to continue this partnership and look forward to building these training dollhouses for Sumter County Fire & EMS each year,” Studebaker said.
School and fire officials said the partnership highlights the value of collaboration between local schools and public safety agencies by providing meaningful educational opportunities while supporting firefighter training efforts.