Despite the north wind and below-zero wind chills, the Hays Fire Department continues training at a house recently purchased by the city.  They’re not actually using fire, though.

Captain Chris Stegman says firefighters are practicing other techniques, including breaking windows and cutting holes in walls.   The Hays Police Department used the house last month for tactical training.

Demolition of the building will start January 16.

The property sits the lowest among the homes in the 200 block of West 17th  Street, and is  prone to flooding.  The city bought the house after the owner died this fall.

Tentative plans call for the location to be turned into a “pocket park.”