The Shelton Fire Department is a large municipal all volunteer fire department with over 180 structural members. Thus, we need to ensure we have great partnerships with topnotch vendors to assist us in our annual training requirements, and to further enhance our members’ skill development. Flash Fire Industries has been that partner for us, through the use of their props, equipment, and most importantly their dedicated professional fire instructors. THE SFD has been fortunate to utilize all facets of their services provided from their flash over -smoke trailer, bail out, F/E, cutting stations props, and most recently their specialized situational rescue training simulator. Dan and his dedicated team are always willing to work with the department to meet our specific needs and requests and provides knowledgeable and talented personnel to reinforce the lessons learned. 

Francis T. Jones III – Fire Chief - Shelton Fire Department

We have used Flash Fire within our department and town to provide training including Thermal Imaging, Fire Behavior and Vent, Enter, Search. Each class started with classroom instruction that was up to date with the current information coming out of NIST/UL and best practices. The transition into the burn trailer helped students put together the classroom portion with the reality of the live fire and the instructors being able reinforce the lessons being taught. 

Jason Flanagan - Thompsonville Fire Department

 

Dan and Flash Fire have provided the Bantam Fire Company with top notch training. We have used them for strategy and tactics, forcible entry, advanced forcible entry, live burns and RIT collapse. All programs provided our members with a high level of realism that no other props in the State of Connecticut can provide. Dan provided prompt and concise communications and all classes were reliably scheduled and executed. Cannot recommend Flash Fire enough.

Ryan Litwin | Chief | Bantam Fire Company

 

I needed a solution to bring specific skill set training to my department. Areas of concern were fireground safety, survival and RIT based requests. Flashfire Industries provided that and more. They came to us with a variety of mobile training props and equipment, capable of tailoring their instruction to meet our needs. The instructors were professional and competent. The training we received was top-notch, real-world and we are better today for it. Flashfire delivers. 

Deputy Chief Ron Palmer, Jr. Willimantic, CT Fire Department

 

The Ridgefield Fire Department has had the pleasure of working with Dan Gordon and the team at Flash Fire Industries on multiple training programs, including firefighter bailout training and their outstanding flashover simulator. The instruction was top-notch from start to finish. Dan and his instructors bring a tremendous amount of knowledge, experience, and professionalism to every evolution, while keeping the training practical, engaging, and relevant to today's fire service. Their ability to break down complex concepts into straightforward, hands-on lessons makes the training accessible to firefighters of all experience levels. Beyond the quality of instruction, Flash Fire Industries is simply great to work with. Dan is down-to-earth, responsive, and committed to ensuring departments get the most out of every training opportunity. The flashover simulator provided a safe, realistic, and highly effective learning environment that gave our members invaluable experience and confidence. We highly recommend Flash Fire Industries and Dan Gordon to any department looking for realistic, professional, and impactful fire service training.

Anthony Cerulli, Assistant Chief Ridgefield Fire Department  

Flash Fire's RIT training provided for an exceptional experience for our department. The dumpster provided a great training prop, placing it inside prevented any concerns with weather. Most importantly, it required no set up or clean up time for the department members. Our members were able to show up at their regularly scheduled drill time and immediately begin training. Using basic household items and working within a restricted environment demonstrated the difficulty in a downed firefighter removal. We had an opportunity each night to do multiple scenarios with members of various levels of experience. The instructors provided insight from real world experience in a down to earth approach that was appreciated by all of the members in attendance. 

Daniel Costa | Department Training Coordinator | Captain, Company 1 | Wolcott Volunteer Fire Department

 

As a Fire Chief, I’ve relied on Flash Fire Industries for numerous training programs, including flashover, survival, thermal imaging, extrication, and building stabilization. Dan and his instructors are exceptional—knowledgeable, professional, and passionate about the fire service. Their realistic, hands-on approach provides firefighters with skills they can immediately apply on the fireground. I highly recommend Flash Fire Industries to any department seeking top-tier training. 

Fire Chief David Lenart

 

Flash Fire Industries provides top quality training while incorporating specific needs and requests catered to our fire company. The instructors are experienced and knowledgeable; they include all members (novice to veteran) in evolutions and discussions; and they maintain a positive, professional atmosphere. Communication in setting up training is always prompt. Flash Fire Industries truly looks for ways to make live fire training and the fire service as a whole, better! 

Bill Doyle - Assistant Chief, Brookfield FD

 

I would like to personally thank you and your instructors for the outstanding training provided to the Somers Fire Department. The instructors were professional, knowledgeable, and clearly well-versed in both the subject matter and its real-world application. The classroom portion provided an excellent foundation for the live-fire evolutions and ensured our members understood the concepts before putting them into practice. The hands-on training was well organized, realistic, and directly applicable to the challenges firefighters face on today's fireground. Our members came away from the program with valuable knowledge, increased confidence, and practical skills they can immediately apply in the field. Overall, this was an excellent class and a worthwhile investment of our department's time and resources. Thank you for helping us improve the capabilities of our personnel. We look forward to working with you again in the future. 

Ray Stovall | Chief/Fire Marshal | Somers Fire Department

 

On April 30, 2026, the Attleboro Fire Department hosted Flash Fire Industries' Protection Without the Hoseline course. As an instructor both within my department and for the Massachusetts Fire Academy, I have seen the flashover trailer quite a few times. This course was different. Not only were the instructors charismatic and passionate about teaching, but they were also able to relate the material to real-world incidents. Students were able to translate the knowledge gained in the classroom into practical skills within the flashover trailer. Not only is this class worth your department's time and money, but it is truly a class for firefighters, by firefighters.

Dan Murray | Lieutenant | Training Officer | Attleboro Fire Department

 

Working with Flash Fire Industries has been an excellent experience for our department. Their training was professional, engaging, and highly informative. The live fire training was second to none, providing our team with realistic, hands-on experience that greatly enhanced their skills and confidence. We highly recommend Flash Fire Industries for their outstanding training programs. 

Thomas Siemsen | Chief of Department | Village of Mamaroneck F.D.

 

Flash Fire delivered two strong officer development classes.  One focused on fireground situations and the other on non-fire emergencies. Both sessions were well run and designed to get everyone involved, regardless of officer experience level.  One of the biggest strengths was the open, discussion-based environment. It encouraged participation and created a setting where officers could share perspectives, talk through scenarios, and learn from each other in a practical way.  The classes helped reinforce how to think through situations from the officer’s perspective, not just what actions to take. The scenario work and repetition also showed how you can build your own mental “muscle memory,” which is critical when things start moving quickly.

Overall, the training was practical, engaging, and easy to take back and apply within your own department. A solid program for any organization focused on developing its officers

Tim Ward | Assistant Chief | Training Officer | Noroton Fire Department

Flash Fire Industries provided an excellent thermal imaging training program that combined informative classroom instruction with realistic, hands-on experience. The course covered not only how thermal imaging cameras work but also their limitations and how to accurately interpret what firefighters see on the screen. The instructors presented the material in a way that was engaging, practical, and directly applicable to everyday fireground operations.

One of the biggest advantages of working with Flash Fire Industries was their flexibility. They worked closely with our department to develop a training schedule that met our operational needs, allowing companies to participate while remaining available for emergency responses as needed. That flexibility allowed us to deliver high-quality training without compromising our ability to serve the community, and it demonstrated that the instructors understand the challenges fire departments face in balancing training with emergency response.

The live-fire practical was the highlight of the course. It allowed our members to apply what they learned in realistic fire conditions while using thermal imaging cameras to identify heat signatures, conduct searches, evaluate fire behavior, and make tactical decisions. The scenarios reinforced that a thermal imaging camera is an important tool, but one that must be used alongside sound firefighting fundamentals and situational awareness.

The instructors were professional, knowledgeable, and approachable throughout the program. They encouraged questions, provided meaningful feedback during practical exercises, and ensured every participant had multiple opportunities to develop their skills in a realistic environment.

Overall, this was one of the most valuable thermal imaging training programs our members have attended. The quality of instruction, realistic live-fire scenarios, and flexible delivery made it an outstanding experience from start to finish. As the Battalion Chief of Training, I would confidently recommend Flash Fire Industries to any fire department looking to strengthen its members' thermal imaging skills and improve fireground decision-making.

Matt LeRoux | Battalion Chief/Training Officer | Manchester Fire Department

 

The Team at Flash Fire were great.  The in-class instruction was on point and prepared  us with the the key tactics, science and takeaways to appreciate the practical.  The actual simulation allowed my members to experience the flashover conditions and observe the key signs through our thermal cameras.  Introduction of the door prop, flow path and water can etc were extremely helpful and took our training to another level.  Our department incorporates this training every few years into our training cycle and plan to do so in the future

 Todd Deklyn | Darien fire department

 

The Greenwich Fire Department has partnered with Flash Fire Industries on several occasions over the past few years. Their mobile flashover simulator provides an outstanding training opportunity for departments that do not have access to a permanent flashover facility.

Dan and his team are professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. They customize each training program to meet the needs of both our career and volunteer firefighters, making the experience valuable for all participants.

The instructors' expertise in fire behavior, fire dynamics, and thermal imaging camera operations is second to none. The hands-on training is realistic, engaging, and reinforces critical lessons that firefighters can apply on the fireground.

The Greenwich Fire Department highly recommends Flash Fire Industries to any department looking to enhance its firefighter training program.

Thomas Lenart Jr. | Assistant Chief | Greenwich Fire Department

"The Naugatuck Fire Department has utilized Flash Fire Industries numerous times in recent years. The trailer has proven to be an excellent tool for training in forcible entry, vertical ventilation, 'vent - enter - isolate - search' and fire ground safety & survival skills. The utility of the trailer is further enhanced by the quality instructors that Flash Fire Industries has partnered with to provide training if requested. The instructors' knowledge of not only the skills being refreshed, but also of the trailer props themselves, keep the training moving at a quick pace which provides each student ample time to hone their skills. We look forward to continuing our training relationship with Flash Fire industries into the future."

John F. DeBisschop III, Second Assistant Chief, Naugatuck (CT) Fire Department

"The Flash Fire Trailer and CT Custom Fire Training Instructors were nothing short of fantastic. The one-two punch of very realistic and versatile forcible entry props, combined with top quality instruction, made for some of the most valuable training we have ever had. Without exception, every Firefighter and Officer that participated in the training said they loved it."

Chief Jay Kolakoski, Bristol Fire Department

"Flash Fire Industries mobile training trailer has opened a new door to quality training for my firefighters. Topics that once had my department traveling out of town to fire schools I can now teach in the back parking lot or on a rainy night right inside my firehouse. The different options on the trailer alone not to mention the portable props keeps all my members engaged throughout the drill with little to no down time. The hassle free approach to renting the trailer combined with outside instruction is a training opportunity that can't be matched."

Capt Greg San Fan Andre, Long Hill Fire Department

"The forcible entry simulator on the Flash Fire trailer is one of the most realistic props I have used. It combines the realism of a flexible, crushable door with a strong locking mechanism. Definitely a good teaching tool for any department".

A/C Jason Rivera - Newtown Hook & Ladder

"I was only able to attend the first hour of the training but my Firefighters raved about the program, trailer and the instructors. We will be having you back in the very near future. Excellent job".

Chief Bill Halstead - Sandy Hook Fire Department

"I have had the opportunity to utilize the Flash Fire training trailer on several occasions and I am continually impressed with the versatility it provides for instructors and students alike. As an instructor I strive to provide my students with realistic training opportunities to enhance the learning process. The props on the trailer are just that, "realistic". We recently conducted forcible entry training using the trailer, and the students were able to hone their skills working on real doors which provided them with an accurate sense of the skills required to be proficient. I have provided fire service instruction throughout the country and have yet to see a training simulator as comprehensive as the Flash Fire Training Trailer. I highly recommend this training".

Paul J. DeBartolomeo / F.D.N.Y. / CT Custom Fire Training

"My comments center on the “one-stop shopping” aspect of your service. Not only did you provide the trailer itself which is a great portable trainer, but you provided two excellent instructors as well. As the person coordinating the training, I appreciated that you were able to provide both. Our members appreciated both as well. While I understand we could use our own instructors on the trailer, I got good feedback from our department members when we get quality outside instructors to do quality training and that’s what you enabled on that Sunday".

Tom Ryer / Sandy Hook Fire Department

"On September 15th the members of Westport Fire departments platoon 4 had the chance to train with Flash Fire industries mobile training trailer. Out of the many options available we chose to train on peaked roof vertical vent and forcible entry. The ability to change the pitch of the roof prop was a very nice feature. For forcible entry the prop uses real doors that can be forced inward and outward and has the ability to add a wall to simulate tight space or hallway forces. Using real doors allows the firefighters the ability to crush or gap a door. This is a major difference from many commercial door props that are designed for repetitive forces where technique can be practiced, but do not allow the door to crush".

Westport Fire Department / Westport Connecticut

"Flash fire industries provided a realistic truck company class brought right to our backyard. It gave our guys an opportunity to force real doors and learn the best tactical way to gain entry, whether it be through the lock or forcing your way in. We highly recommend bringing them in to your department. It was so good we plan on bringing them back again".

Capt. Scott Poulton / Terryville Fire Department

"The trailer and subsequent training was top notch and even though it was hot I received no complaints at all! The trailer was a perfect addition to supplement our training. The instructors and support received were among the best I have ever seen. The trainers went above and beyond my expectations and I look forward to working with you again for bailout training. Thanks again and stay safe".

Capt. Jermaine Atkinson / Stratford Fire Department