The Bell County Volunteer Fire Department holds a training school once a year for everyone to brush up on skills, and learn some new ones.

Shane Howard joined the fire department for two reasons.

"To help my community, and serve the citizens of Bell County," Howard said.

He has never driven an emergency vehicle before, but hopes training on the simulator will prepare him.

"It helps me know driving capabilities I need to be aware of. That way I can help our department roll trucks during emergency situations," Howard said.

Another group is training on raising the ladder of a fire truck.

"We have different scenarios. We have a rescue class for rescuing people. It's all everyday stuff that you may encounter so we can do a better job when we have to encounter it for real," Ron Amburgey, with the fire department, said.

The final group is preparing to control and put out a propane gas explosion. Crews went on several dry runs first to make sure they were in sync.

"You have to be prepared to handle all types of explosions," Amburgey said.

When they are ready, the tank is set on fire, shooting flames fifty feet high. Crews work together to move through the 2000-degree heat and shut down the gas.

Amburgey says the training is fun for the firefighters, but it is also very important.

"We are donating our time to be able to save somebody's life," Amburgey said.