Two local fire departments are inviting their towns’ elected and appointed officials to learn firsthand what it’s like to fight a fire.

Greenville and Sharon fire departments, along with firefighters from Butler and New Castle, are co-hosting a program May 9 and 10 at Butler County Fire School.

The program was created by the International Association of Professional Fire Fighters with input from the Greenville and Sharon organizations, said Lt. Dale Hightree of the Greenville Fire Department.

Hightree, who is also president of IAFF Local 1976, Greenville, on Thursday invited borough council members to participate. The first day of the program includes an introduction to fire scenarios and a gear-fittting test at the Greenville fire station.

On the second day, participants will have the chance to suit up in proper protective gear and be taken into a burning building under controlled supervision of the firefighters, Hightree said.

“Participants will learn exactly how challenging it is to keep our firefighters and communities safe,” he said.

Those who can’t participate because of health conditions are welcome to watch their peers learn how to battle a fire and respond to problems that could affect a structure during a blaze.

Firefighters will also demonstrate the many aspects of fire and emergency medical service operations to show what they face on a day-to-day basis, Hightree said.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Greenville officials can contact the fire station at 724-588-3111 and Sharon officials are expected to receive their invitations and registration information at their next council meeting, he said.