In Medina this week, a dozen students are playing with flames, as the first-ever high school fire school heats up. Reporter Kate Schell has the story.

"A simulated fire call starts the day for this group of students are armed with gear, readying themselves for fire school...and as any school would have, they are beginning with the basics..

(Darrell Graf/Chief Fire Academy of ND)"We start out with protective clothing and self contained breathing apparatus"..."one of our main concerns is that everyone of our firemen come homes safe and alive." A dozen students, ranging in age, all after the same goal..

(Zach Hulstrand/Bismarck) "I've had an interest. I just could find a way to like get training and find out more about it and I thought this was a perfect opportunity." For some, fire school is a fun activity for summer, for others it has been a life long dream

(Kody Brackett/ Hazen) "Ive enjoyed seeing fire trucks since I've been a little kid. I've always wanted to do it." This seven day course wraps up Sunday..

It's a short amount of time.... already, lessons have been learned, and friendships have been made

(Kody Brackett/ Hazen) "Everyone is friends so. And all of us here are like brothers and a sister. We've got one girl here and we just love it. It is fun." (Darrell Graf/Chief Fire Academy of ND)"People that we have here are from different walks of life. From various, primarily smaller communities in North Dakota. There is a few out of Bismarck and one out of West Fargo, but what a mix of people and what a bunch that can work together

And working together is a top priority when fighting a fire

(David Sundberg/ Bismarck) "Because if not eveyones one the same page, you have everyone running around and the fire just burns longer and more stuff gets destroyed. If everyones on the same page and working together it just works smooth." It's a week filled with adventure and education. Education that will not only help these brave young men and women, but also help the communities in which they live

In Medina, with KX News, Im Kate Schell."


This is the only fire school offered this summer, but the chief says he is willing to add more if there are people interested. To find out more information, you can call Darrell Graf at 701-486-3264. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list