VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — It's all part of the Virginia Beach Fire Department's live-fire training.
"Obviously, the events thankfully are not that common, but when they are common they are very high-risk," said Battalion Chief, John McGivor.
He said they're doing several of these simulations each day until Friday.
About 60 firefighters from Virginia Beach and other Hampton Roads cities participate every day.
During the simulation, the groups run into the burning building with hoses, as if there's no working water supply.
"To get something like this, it's a different building, it's outside of what we're used to. And to get all of the crews through, it's absolutely invaluable to us,” said McGivor.
McGivor also noted that it's a rare chance for crews to rehearse this scenario.
However, this week is the second time this year that they've conducted a live-burn inside a tall building. Just last month, the department trained like this at the old Belvedere Hotel.
Ambulances, paramedics and supervisors joined in the training too at the command center.
They're practicing rescuing people inside. Virginia Beach EMS Captain Brett Johnson said, "Throughout the time that the fire department is putting the fire out, we try to give them anywhere between 8 to 10 patients to run through."
She said it's a real joint effort and learning opportunity for this fake scene.
"It makes us a better team, so that way we can serve the citizens better,” Johnson said.