It was like a scene from the TV show “Chicago Fire.”

Dense smoke billowed from all sides of the four-story structure. Through an open door you could see fierce flames at the top of the inside stairs. A small team of firefighters, wearing air masks and appropriate protective gear, walked into the building toward the inferno, equipped with a 2½-inch hose.

Unlike “Chicago Fire,” the smoke and flames here were real, and the firefighters were not actors. They were volunteers practicing firefighting in a realistic environment, enabling them to better serve their communities if called to respond to a dwelling or structure fire.

It was part of live fire training for members of the Carbon County Basic Fire Academy Class and was held recently at the Carbon County Emergency Operations and Training Center in Nesquehoning.

About 40 volunteers from throughout Carbon County, as well as a few from Schuylkill and Lehigh counties, attended. The firefighters ranged in age from late teens to the 40s.

Among them was Lansford firefighter Destiny Wentz, 18, who became a firefighter one day before her 18th birthday.

When firefighters completed a segment of training and emerged from the smoke-filled building, members of the Lehighton Ambulance Association checked their blood pressure and other vital signs to ensure they were OK.

Wentz, while having her blood pressure taken, wore a proud smile that indicated she enjoyed the accomplishment of completing the grueling task. Moments later, she returned to the burning building for more action.

Joseph Greco, the Lansford fire chief who was one of the coordinators, said the training was arranged through the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy and Bucks County Community College. It was sponsored by the Carbon County Firemen’s Association.

Instructors were state certified, including some from the academy and the community college. Other instructors, all certified, included Greco, Lehighton Fire Chief Patrick Mriss and Keith Oliphant of American Hose Company in Tamaqua. Oliphant has been a certified instructor for 48 years.

Greco said the firefighters were divided into teams. There were three segments to the training: first and second floor firefighting; ladder usage and interior search; and rapid intervention.

He was pleased with the turnout of volunteers, who represented all sections of the county — from Banks Township to Towamensing.

“Chicago Fire” firefighters are depicted as paid professionals. It was obvious on the chilly, rainy Sunday morning that although not paid, the local volunteers are expected to be just as knowledgeable, safety conscious and serious about their duties.