Plover police acquires ‘fire bombs’ thanks to grant

By Brandi Makuski

The Plover Police Department has received a grant from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation for two new portable fire suppression tools, marking the first time the department has been awarded the grant.

Assistant Chief Brian Noel said the devices, known as Portable Fire Suppression Tools (PFST), function similarly to what some might call a “smoke bomb.” However, Noel emphasized the device’s purpose in fire suppression.

“You pull the pin, lift it up, pull it out, and throw it into the room or through a window of a structure where a fire is occurring,” Noel said. “A powdered aerosol is generated, and it floods the room for approximately 35 seconds. It interrupts the bond between the heat and oxygen molecules.”

The PFST is not harmful to humans and is safer than traditional fire extinguishers because officers don’t need to remain near the fire to operate it, Noel said.

Plover, which is served by a mostly volunteer fire department, often relies on police officers as the first responders to fire scenes. Because patrol officers are already on the road, they can arrive before firefighters, potentially preventing further damage or even loss of life, Noel explained.

“This can potentially completely suppress a fire, or at least cool it down enough for the fire department to arrive, which can then prevent further damage or water damage,” Noel said.

The devices weigh about as much as a gallon of milk, and video training was provided to the officers. Each device costs about $1,000, and the department received two through the grant.