TORRINGTON -
Firefighter training in Torrington got as real as it could get.
The Torrington Fire Department purposely set two homes on fire at what used to be the old Machuga Family Farm.
The city bought the property four years ago and has plans to build a park there for special needs kids.
The homes had to come down anyway, so firefighters figured they could make something constructive out of the destruction.
Art Petitt, who has a lot of fond family memories on the property, says he wanted to watch the controled burn for closure.
"The firemen don't get this chance too often, not without it being a cost of somebody's life or property," Petitt said.
The Torrington Fire Department used the opportunity to train its volunteer firefighters, as well as firefighters from neighboring towns.
The Torrington Fire Department purposely set two homes on fire at what used to be the old Machuga Family Farm.
The city bought the property four years ago and has plans to build a park there for special needs kids.
The homes had to come down anyway, so firefighters figured they could make something constructive out of the destruction.
Art Petitt, who has a lot of fond family memories on the property, says he wanted to watch the controled burn for closure.
"The firemen don't get this chance too often, not without it being a cost of somebody's life or property," Petitt said.
The Torrington Fire Department used the opportunity to train its volunteer firefighters, as well as firefighters from neighboring towns.
