BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Cadets from the Kern County Fire Academy got to extinguish a real house fire Friday.

The selected 31 cadets have spent the last eight weeks in various training scenarios in the academy.

The house fire training gives these future firefighters the tools they need to fight a real fire.

The house used for the burn exercise was purchased by the Kern County Roads Department for the Seventh Standard road expansion project.

"These cadets got to learn the value of fighting a real house fire in a controlled environment. There are eight different burns in different parts of the house," said Sean Collins of the Kern County Fire department.

The preparation for the controlled house fire was essential for safety. On Tuesday, cadets worked to remove the contents from the house. Furniture, drapes and linoleum floors can cause toxic fumes, Collins said.

"This is a great opportunity for us because we get to see live fire in action. This experience will help all of us when we fight a real house fire," said Monte Rudnick, Kern County Fire Academy trainee.

Budget issues have shortened the length of the academy from 18 weeks to 11 weeks, putting more pressure on these cadets to get the job done right.