In 2005, the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) obtained a Kidde Mobile Live Fire Training Simulator.  Seventy percent of the simulator cost was funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant.  Implementation of the simulator allowed the HFD to conduct live fire training despite its location next to an elementary school and community park.  The simulator is fueled by clean-burning propane, which alleviates community concerns related to toxic gases and air pollution.  Smoke from the simulator quickly dissipates once beyond the burning trainer.  Furthermore, fire fighting run-off water from simulator training does not contain contaminants.

In prior years, the HFD conducted live fire training and exercises on structures scheduled for demolition.  Such structures may have been in residential areas slated for redevelopment.  Presently, these opportunities are virtually nonexistent due to environmental and safety considerations.  Therefore, newly-hired fire fighters have little chance to experience actual fire conditions in a controlled setting.  Experienced fire fighters also require similar training to maintain their skills or practice new fire fighting techniques.