It's hard to train for emergency situations in a classroom. That is why controlled events, like a controlled house fire is important to firefighters. Firefighters intentionally light a series of fires throughout a structure and then work to extinguish them. Local and surrounding fire departments participated in a controlled burn Saturday morning.

Controlled burns are not something that can happen very often since there is a lack of burnable structures in the area. But lessons learned on the burn are paramount. Chief Daniel Goodwin with the Vienna Fire Department says "this is the best training we can possibly receive for firefighters. It's a good way to know whether a person is going to be a good fire fire fighter, or he or she isn't."

Lt. Paul Jordan of the Williamstown Fire Department believes "the training fires we are able to have with these types of structures are invaluable. This is the only way guys are able to get live training to see exactly what goes on in a true fire."

While the total experience is important, it's safety that first responders look to maintain. Chief Goodwin continues "I stress safety, I want everybody to go home at the end of the day. That's the goal."

And their experience may help keep you safe as well.