Lombard residents and those who work in the village are invited to get a behind-the-scenes look at local firefighting through the Lombard Fire Department’s sixth annual Citizens Fire Academy.

The free five-week program begins Sept. 9 and will be held Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Fire Station 45, 50 E. St. Charles Road.

Participants will learn directly from Lombard firefighters about the training, equipment and procedures used to respond to fire and medical emergencies.

The academy combines classroom instruction with interactive discussions and hands-on activities. Participants may have the opportunity to try firefighter protective equipment, extinguish a fire, climb a ladder and learn about vehicle extrication.

A special hands-on training session will also be held Saturday, Oct. 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at Fire Station 44, 2020 S. Highland Ave.

The academy runs through Oct. 7 and is limited to 10 participants. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and live or work in Lombard.

Applications are due Aug. 14 and are available at villageoflombard.org/citizensacademy or at Lombard Village Hall, 255 E. Wilson Ave. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by Aug. 29.

For additional information, contact Fire Marshal Perry Johnson at 630-873-4576 or JohnsonP@villageoflombard.org.