Several Eastern Kentucky fire departments are adding more firefighters to the roster. About a dozen new recruits rushed into a burning home for the first time.

Our Michel Mason got to take part in some of the training in Breathitt County this weekend.

This house in Jackson went up in flames to make sure these new firefighters are ready for the job.

Every firefighter must complete 20 hours of training before going on the first call. Jackson Fire Chief Roger Friley says a live burn is instrumental.

"Knowing what it's like to go in a burning building, how much heat that they can take and of course we've got instructors with them every time they go in. If it gets too hot, we go ahead and put the fire out and back them out," said Chief Friley.

Groups of three to four go into the home where a hot spot is set. They let the fire develop until it burns the ceiling above, allowing firefighters to feel the intensity before turning on the hoses. 20-year-old Daniel Hensley says it's a rush.

"What really gets you is knowing you're getting further and deeper into the house, and the more smoke you run into, the darker it gets and you can barely see anything," said Hensley.

Firefighters say the temperature inside a simulated burn house is actually much hotter than what they would encounter during a real house fire.

The live burn reached 1200 degrees, compared to a typical house fire that burns at about 600 degrees.

"When they respond, they will be more confident in themselves and their equipment," said James C. Burnett, Field Staff for KCTCS State Fire & Rescue Training in Region 12.

And the only way to know is to experience it first hand.

Firefighters from Jackson, Vancleve, Watts and Hazard worked with State Fire & Rescue Instructors and the EPA to conduct the live burn.