Southwestern Michigan College Fire Academy June 20-24 had assistance from rain Thursday morning in extinguishing two set vehicle fires as part of their training.
Items concealed inside would come into play in their follow-up arson investigation.
Fire Science Academy is designed for Cass County students in grades 9-12. The academy is sponsored by SMC’s Educational Talent Search program. This week-long event includes classroom work plus two days of actual training with the Dowagiac Fire Department.
The last day involves a trip to Chicago for additional fire training. Morning water hose soccer was scheduled Wednesday morning, with a 75-foot ladder exercise planned in the afternoon at the fire station on Wolf Street.
The car fire exercise takes place on city property just off Middle Crossing Road.
Students enrolled in Fire Science Academy learn techniques and tools used by firefighters, including safety, emergency response, protective gear and how to properly douse a blaze.