With the underground criss-crossed with oil and gas pipelines in the Northland, knowing how to fight a fire in the event of a rupture is critical.

Several Northland Fire crews got up close and personal with such fires in a special Training exercise in Carlton County.

More than 70 firefighters descended on Carlton County to face the heat.

"Adrenaline is pumping...it's hot and you know things can turn in a hurry," said Capt. Lynn Windus of the Proctor Fire Department.

With the help of Minnesota Energy Resources, Fire crews trained on a variety of gas-fire scenarios. Before fighting the flames, crews were briefed on what they were going up against. Firefighters also trained on how to battle an underground gas line break. The last exercise involved a scorched sedan.

"We have plenty of first-time firefighters that are seeing the real thing for the first time so it's a great training opportunity," said Asst. Chief Scott Bodin of the Carlton Fire Department.

Even though they were training exercises, the intensity remained very real.

"When you're going into something like this or into a house fire...your adrenaline gets pretty high, but you still got to think on you're feet--you can't let your adrenaline take over," said Asst. Chief Peter Laveau of the Wrenshall Fire Department.

Firefighters say this training is especially critical because gas fires can be very dangerous.

"They're very intense, very unpredictable, you can't always see the flames," said Bodin.

That's why authorities say this type of guidance is important.

"It's always a risk, you're fighting the beast," said Bodin.

The gas-fire training is held annually.