Burnin' Down the House

Photos by Charles Prince MILLERSPORT - More than three dozen firefighters gave up most of a beautiful Saturday to practice their skills in a real fire.

Firefighters from Buckeye Lake and Richland Township (Rushville) joined the Millersport Fire Department in the nearly four-hour training session at a dilapidated South Bank home. Four City of Columbus firefighters volunteered as fire-setters and safety officers in the house. They repeatedly set fires - first on the second floor and then on the first floor - so four person teams with a hand line could practice knocking down fires in real world conditions - thick smoke, incredible heat and falling debris. Firefighters outside preserved the garage and protected neighbors from sparks.

The house burn required a permit from Ohio EPA.