VIDEO/PHOTOS: Moline Fire Department has a new way to simulate a fire in any room and practice putting it out. The department purchased the FiAR training system, a device that uses augmented reality to test the user on operating a fire extinguisher properly. The device is a touch screen and mock fire extinguisher, which can place items like a grill, wooden pallets or a car into an environment and simulate different types of fires. "Flammable metals, oils, fats, it lets us practice putting all those types of fires out with those different extinguishers," Moline fire inspector Kevin Sorby said. FiAR grades the user on whether the right fire extinguisher was used, and the proper technique applied. "There's a saying, it's PASS — pull, aim, squeeze, sweep," Sorby explained.  

VIDEO: Chicago firefighters and their families gathered for a happy goodbye Wednesday afternoon, as veteran helicopter pilot, Lieutenant Tom McPhillips held his retirement ceremony after nearly three decades of service with the Chicago Fire Department. "I've been doing something I've loved for 27 years," McPhillips said. "I hope the guys coming behind me love it as much as I have." The celebration was held near 95th Street and the lakefront, a symbolic reminder of the countless rescues McPhillips conducted over the water just off the Chicago shoreline. "I can't think of anyone who's done what he's done for this unit," said CFD Commander David Doggett. McPhillips comes from a long line of men of who have served in the CFD within his family, but his story of service to his community actually began with him serving his country as a helicopter pilot in the armed forces before taking those skills home to Chicago.  

The Peoria Fire Department responded to a house fire that displaced three near Kingsway and Miramar drives on Tuesday. According to Battalion Chief Ryan Calhoun, fire crews responded at about 10 p.m., and reported heavy fire coming from the garage of a two-story house. Firefighters worked to put the fire out in the garage and multiple bedrooms above the garage. Three people evacuated the home before fire crews arrived. A fire investigator determined that the cause of the fire was electrical and unintentional. The fire caused an estimated $150,000 in damages. Due to the amount of damage done to the home, it was deemed uninhabitable, and the local chapter of the American Red Cross was called to the scene to provide alternate housing to the displaced residents.  

A fire destroyed more than a dozen RVs overnight Thursday at Mike Thompson's RV Super Store in Santa Fe Springs. Authorities responded to a possible burglary call at about 12:30 a.m. at the gated property on Firestone Boulevard in southeastern Los Angeles County near the 5 Freeway. Several RVs were in flames when firefighters arrived. Details about a cause of the fire were not immediately available. The property has several security cameras that investigators plan to check for video. No injuries were reported. Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading beyond the dealership. A manager told NBCLA that the damage estimate is about $2 million. The family-owned and operated company started in 1972 and became a Southern California fixture with four locations in the LA, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino areas.  

A Union City firefighter was shot early Thursday morning and the shooting is now under investigation. A spokesman for the Union City Police Department said the shooting was accidental. They confirmed the firearm used did not belong to the injured firefighter. A representative for the fire department confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that the shooting occurred at Fire Station No. 2 off Shannon Pkwy. Paramedics took the firefighter to the hospital for treatment of his injuries. Police said the firefighter is in stable condition and expected to make a full recovery.  

On an overwhelming bipartisan 393-13 vote, the House passed a bill today sponsored by New Jersey Reps. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield) and Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson) that re-ups a number of key firefighter grant programs. The bill, the Fire Grants and Safety Act, reauthorizes the U.S. Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG), and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant; it also increases funding for the Fire Administration. "As a former volunteer firefighter, I know the hardship and sacrifices that firefighters make daily to quickly respond to emergencies," Kean said in remarks on the House floor. "This bipartisan and bicameral piece of legislation demonstrates our firm commitment to the safety and the well-being of our firefighters, empowering them to overcome challenges and fulfill their mission of safeguarding our communities."  

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Moline Fire Department has a new way to simulate a fire in any room and practice putting it out. The department purchased the FiAR training system, a device that uses augmented reality to test the user on operating a fire extinguisher properly. The device is a touch screen and mock fire extinguisher, which can place items like a grill, wooden pallets or a car into an environment and simulate different types of fires. "Flammable metals, oils, fats, it lets us practice putting all those types of fires out with those different extinguishers," Moline fire inspector Kevin Sorby said. FiAR grades the user on whether the right fire extinguisher was used, and the proper technique applied. "There's a saying, it's PASS — pull, aim, squeeze, sweep," Sorby explained.