ASHLEY, Ind. (WANE) -- Multiple fire stations in Noble and Steuben counties recently took time to work alongside each other for brush fire training. Crew members with the Ashley-Hudson Fire Department conducted some of the training with the Steuben Township Fire Department and Salem Center Volunt eer Fire Department. Ashley-Hudson Fire Chief Dave Barrand said participating in brush fire training is important for firefighters because it poses a different set of challenges for crews compared to a structure fire. "[With] house fires, we have training buildings throughout the state that we can use. Grass fires they differ because of the wind and the terrain and being outdoors," Barrand said. Members of the Ashley-Hudson Fire Department engage in brush fire training during a controlled burn Wednesday, March 26, 2025. (Photo provided by Matthew Latham, Ashley-Hudson Fire Department) Crews with the Ashley-Hudson Fire Department, Steuben Township Fire Department and Salem Center Volunteer Fire Department train together during a controlled field burn Sunday, March 23, 2025. (Photo provided by Matthew Latham, Ashley-Hudson Fire Department) Matt Latham, a public information officer and secretary-treasurer for the Ashley-Hudson Fire Department, said having a suitable water supply can also be an issue when fighting brush fires since hydrants likely are not as available compared to urban areas. Rash of field fires prompts request by the Allen County Office of Homeland Security Firefighters also use unique equipment to tackle brush fires, such as brush trucks that are lighter than the standard firetruck and have to capability to go off-road. Barrand said the Ashley-Hudson Fire Department has had to respond to a handful of brush fires in recent months and that having the additional chances to assist with controlled burns and gain training experience from it is valuable for his crew. "[Training] not normally offered anywhere, so it gives us an opportunity to test our equipment," Barrand said. Nearly 100 acres burned in field fire in northwest Allen County The Ashley-Hudson Fire Department has collaborated with other departments on other training experiences in the past, and Latham said being able to work with other firefighters in a low-pressure setting helps crews learn and be more prepared during actual emergency situations. "As far as Ashley-Hudson is concerned, we try to do as many joint trainings with the variety of departments that are in the area just to try to create that bond with them," Latham said. The Ashley-Hudson Fire Department also stressed the importance of people being conscious of the weather conditions when deciding to start a controlled burn. ...read more read less