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New Firefighters Start Training At Fire Academy

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh firefighters go through a 32-week intensive course at the Fire Academy, before they ever answer a call.

The course aims to prepare them for every possible eventuality.

Friday morning, firefighters Guy Scatena and Joe Garrison practiced breaking through a door, as they would to get into a burning building.

Their lead instructor, Captain Jim Ellis says their job is to open a gap wide enough to at least allow a hose line to poke through. He says speed is critical.

"Fires double in 30 seconds of time. So entry in to be able to apply water is extremely important."

Assistant Fire Chief Thomas Cook says firefighters encounter obstacles on just about every call.

"Bars on windows. Rolled down shutters on storefronts. Garage doors. You name it, we have to train our people to handle those types of situations."

While the training is for firefighters, they have advice to follow if you happen to be on the other side of that door.

"Get out of the building, No. 1," the assistant chief says. "Stay out of the building, No. 2. And we'll take it from there."

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