On Sunday, May 19, residents of North River Road in Bohannon were treated to the culmination of weeks of training by Mathews volunteer firefighters at the final day burn of an aged structure donated by a citizen.

The training that led up to the controlled burn saw suited-up firefighters entering the structure as tactical squads, under simulation of fire, to refine their lifesaving search and rescue techniques, safe second floor structure entry and exit, and fire extinguishment skills.

Mathews Volunteer Fire Department president Donnie Lewis and Assistant Chief Steve Ray were onsite the day of the structure burn. They led the training exercise ensuring safety precautions were followed by everyone involved, a release said.

The job of knocking down fires to save life and property is only one of the duties of Mathews volunteer firemen, which also includes responding to vehicle accidents and brush fires, inspecting and maintaining department fire apparatus, assisting Mathews Volun...