Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department unveils nation’s first ADA-accessible fire safety trailer
The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department recently added a new fire safety simulator to its community outreach program.
This state-of-the-art, 30-foot mobile training unit is designed to bring realistic and inclusive fire safety education directly to the community. It is currently the only ADA-accessible fire safety simulator of its kind in operation in the United States, expanding access to high-quality fire safety education for residents with neurodivergent, visual, hearing, and mobility-related needs.
The trailer is thoughtfully constructed to replicate a typical home environment, featuring a kitchen, bedroom, and outdoor porch with a grill. Inside, visitors encounter immersive simulators demonstrating common household hazards, including:
• Kitchen & outdoor safety: Simulated oven fires, a flaming pot on the stove, and outdoor grill hazards.
• Bedroom fire scenarios: A heated door and simulated smoke that illustrate how quickly everyday situations can become dangerous.
• Informative graphics: Integrated visual guides offering clear, educational guidance on fire prevention and safety protocols.
The trailer was custom-built by JHB Group Inc., a manufacturer of specialty trailers and mobile training solutions for fire, law enforcement, and emergency management agencies nationwide. The full suite of ADA-accessible features includes:
• Braille signage and glowing exit signs
• Visual alert lighting
• Bed shakers
• Wayfinding beacons
• Voice-alert smoke detectors
• ADA-accessible ramp with hinge-gap covers and zero thresholds
These features allow the department to deliver hands-on safety training — including evacuation drills, smoke awareness, and emergency response practice — to individuals who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, neurodivergent, or have mobility limitations, ensuring no resident is left out of critical fire safety education.
All sensory elements in the trailer can be silenced or adjusted for residents who prefer a low-stimulus learning environment. The trailer also features an updated 911 phone simulator, giving community members an opportunity to practice making an emergency call in a realistic, low-pressure setting.
“We couldn't be more excited to introduce this new safety trailer to our community,” said the Bureau Chief of Community Risk Management. “It’s an invaluable tool that will take our community risk reduction and fire safety education efforts to the next level.”
The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department will incorporate the trailer into school visits, community events, station tours, annual open house, and more.
The trailer will be unveiled at the open house on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department, 100 W. Woodstock St.