LAKE COUNTY, Ohio — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is working with local police and firefighters to prepare in case of an explosive emergency.
This week, dozens of first responders are getting hands on experience in explosives in Lake County.
First responders from more than two dozen departments from across the region are taking part in the training.
"First responders are on the front line for us,” said Lucas Battani, ATF Certified Explosives Specialist.
The training consists of classroom instruction and hands on work.
On Wednesday, the first responders saw 13 explosions caused by different incendiary devices.
At the end of the week, the first responders will know how pick up the pieces of a crime scene.
"We actually take devices that have been built and exploded and we hand them a large bag of pieces and ask them to figure it out. Once they've reached that point, we know they have a good working knowledge,” said Battani.
An exercise in explosives that could come in handy for the first ones responding.
“These crime scenes and bombings and explosive investigations are large, huge scenes. Many departments are going to be involved in these investigations and through training together and by training together we can be more familiar with techniques to get better so we can really catch the criminals, “ said ATF Assistant Special Agent In Charge Kyle Walton.
The ATF is considering adding more classes after they saw the demand for this one.
