St. Michael Fire Department Trains with Controlled Burn

Smoke was seen from several miles away and the crowd of fire trucks, ambulances and other vehicles made the South corner of 241 and Naber Avenue looked like a devastating structural fire.

But, St. Michael city clerk Diana Berning and Mayor Jerry Zachman were both on the scene. Berning was quick to say, "It's a practice fire."

The building had been owned and up for sale by Wright County for a long time, and demolition plans had been in place. Through an arrangement with the county, the fire department was able to use it for a practice and training fire.

Both the Albertville and St. Michael fire departments do planned, controlled fires throughout the year for training purposes.