Frenchtown firefighters got some practice Wednesday with the Jaws of Life and other crash equipment.

The vehicle extrication training is required for the firefighters to meet Level 2 state certification requirements.

Axmen Recycling, west of Missoula, offered up some of their junked cars for the crews to tear into.

Twelve firemen, most of them new, rehearsed the steps they would take if someone was trapped in a vehicle.

Staff firefighter Thomas Haviland says the gear is capable of applying 150,000 pounds of pressure, and safety is a big part of the training.

"Even the hoses we have to be careful because if you get a little knick in them, that stream of fluid could injure anyone, even through our turnouts,? said Haviland. ?We have to be careful, training every chance we get, to cut these cars apart."

Haviland says the crews will continue their level 2 training for the next few weeks.