Firefighters use Brookfield hotel set for demolition for emergency response training

BROOKFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A La Quinta hotel in Brookfield is set to be demolished, so fire crews are putting it to good use before it turns to rubble.

The Town of Brookfield Fire Department is using the hotel for two weeks of active emergency response training.

On Wednesday, April 14, they responded to mock fire scenarios at the hotel, which required firefighters to carry 150-feet of hose line through the building. 

The Brookfield assistant fire chief says mock fires like these help firefighters prepare for real-life scenarios.

"It's really important for you know, just to keep up with your skills, just to get an idea and remembering how to do it, even if you haven't done it in a long time, just to help you refresh on that," said Assistant Chief Tony D'Amico. 

The property was purchased by the Corners of Brookfield, which is planning an expansion of their shopping mall.