Members of the media got the chance to take a few steps in a firefighter's boots Friday.

To kick off Fire Prevention Week, the Calgary Fire Department ran a mock training course so people could see what their recruits go through.

Training includes driving a 47-thousand pound, 35-foot long truck through Calgary traffic.

Last year, pumper trucks were dispatched 44-thousand times. New recruits need to be able to maneuver them quickly and accurately through city streets.

And once the truck arrives, drivers have to switch into firefighter mode and join the rest of the crew as they work to get water to the vehicle and then onto the fire.

A firefighter's job is about more than just fighting fires.

High angle rescue crews and other specialty units work closely with the city's other emergency crews to deal with every emergency situation.

Recruits are put through a blindfolded search and rescue drill so they can get used to the disorientation, claustrophobia, and difficulty breathing that accompanies fighting a fire in an unfamiliar environment.

The fire department will be holding other public events throughout the next week.