The Morris, Kimberly and Warrior Fire Departments spent Saturday morning conducting a training burn at a home in the Riverwood Farms subdivision in Morris.

The large home allowed firefighters to set and run a variety of training exercises at different points inside the home, including the basement.

The joint training opportunity is just one way the departments have begun working together over the last few months, according to Morris Fire Chief Blair Hughes.

Hughes, who became chief in March, said he and Kimberly Fire Chief Brian Gober had worked out a mutual aid agreement that means that both departments work off the same radio frequency and respond automatically to fire calls within both cities. On non-fire calls, the departments respond to the other city following the third set of tones. Hughes said this is the best way to get assistance to everyone in both cities when the departments rely on volunteers.

The departments also work closely with Warrior’s fire department and Fire Chief Clay Neely. Warrior’s training officer, Chris Hardin, was at the training burn to help instruct the newer firefighters.

“We all want to do everything we can to protect all the citizens in the area,” Hughes explained.

Kimberly and Morris are currently seeking volunteers who want to help the fire departments. There will be a training class starting in July for new volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact city hall at Morris or Kimberly or either fire chief.