A local eatery has given the Forsyth County Fire Department a new piece of equipment to help teach the public about putting out fires.

During a ceremony Thursday, the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation donated a Bullseye Fire Extinguisher Trainer to the department. The event was held at Firehouse Subs on Atlanta Highway.

The simulator, which is worth $11,103, will allow firefighters to safely teach proper fire extinguisher use.

Fire Capt. Jason Shivers said the equipment is far better than the department’s old method, which involved igniting diesel fuel in a steel tub outdoors and using a real extinguisher to put out the flames.

Training was limited to adults only.

Shivers said the department was "extremely grateful" for the company’s support.

"This tool now provides us the ability to operate in a safe manner, heat free, indoors so adults or children alike can be taught the advantages of using a fire extinguisher and being comfortable with it," Shivers said.

Training with the new equipment is available to anyone interested, including businesses, church groups, Boy Scouts and schools.

He said using a fire extinguisher can be dangerous for those who uncomfortable with it.

Meghan Bender, community programs manager for the foundation, said it has donated more than 225 pieces of equipment and more than $2.6 million in resources to first responders nationwide.

In addition, the foundation has contributed more than $275,700 to public safety entities in Georgia.