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By DAWN SLADE - Mille Lacs County Times
Submitted photos
Thick with smoke and heavy flames, three firefighters and two instructors were inside the upper level of this home as they worked to put out the fire during a practice burn Saturday, Dec. 5 north of Milaca.
Eighteen fire fighters spent last Saturday testing their skills in a hazardous, potentially life-threatening environment as they burned down a house.
 Thanks to Andy and Melissa Ziegler, firefighters from Milaca, Foreston, Ogilvie and even Andover, had the opportunity to practice fighting fires.
But it’s not just providing an old building to burn, there’s more to it than that.
The Zieglers purchased the property north of Milaca to expand their towing business, Butch’s Towing and Auto Repair, and realized the house was not salvageable.
Through that towing business, the couple has been able to donate cars to the fire departments and police officers for training and practice.
This time, they knew they could help area firefighters in another way.
There was a cost in getting rid of the asbestos flooring and paying a fee to have the fire department burn it down.
“But it was a small price to pay to be able to give the fire department something they can use for training,” the Zieglers said.
Once all the hazardous material was removed and the prep work was completed, firefighters conducted a walk-around and a radio check.
There were nine practice burns including Level 2 burns, where the room is engulfed.
Instructors were brought in from F.I.R.E. (of the Twin Cities.) Two instructors went into the burning house with each team of three firefighters.
Some firefighters went in up to four times.
After two evacuation practices, the house was left to burn as firefighters could no longer go inside.
“It’s good practice,” said Gregg Weller, Milaca fire fighter and safety officer on the scene. “It’s a controlled environment.”
Weller said the fire department responds to more accidents than fires (as well as two bomb threats this year), but they still need to practice so they are ready when a fire occurs.
“You’re a blink of an eye away from a go,” Weller said of potential fires.
There are 23 firefighters currently on the Milaca Fire Department, which hosted the practice burn.
The Zieglers went the extra mile and provided lunch for the firefighters who worked so hard.
Family and businesses, like D&L Cafe and Meyer Outdoor Services, provided everything from chili, dessert and coffee to equipment and time for prep work around the house.
The couple said it was a learning experience for everyone and they have a new appreciation for what these volunteers face.
“Even for the first responders, and the police officers as well, knowing what they have to deal with when they get on a scene when there is any type of fire...” the Zieglers commented. “I’m sure the ‘real deal’ is nothing compared to a controlled burn.”
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