People driving in the area of the Eastwood Mall Thursday may have wondered why all the emergency vehicles were lined up along route 46.

Firefighters, EMT's and other first responders were burning down a house on purpose.

The Howland Fire Department spent the day conducting what is known as a “controlled burn” along Niles Cortland Road SE across from the Super Kmart.

The owner of the property permitted the department to burn down the house so firefighters could hone their skills under controlled conditions.