While crews battled blazes Sunday morning, volunteers and career firefighters came together to train at the 58th annual Cambria County Fire School. 

It's more than just keeping safe while putting out the flames. Fire departments get the training they need to serve their communities, and much of that survival is based on donations. 

"It's important for all the communities... that the people are trained when they get the call," Chairman John Hawksworth said.

Three weekends of hands-on instructional training is keeping more than 450 firefighters fighting to save lives.

"Throughout the week, we run different vehicle rescue classes, flammable liquids, pump classes… just a lot of basic training for local fire departments from all over the state of Pennsylvania," Hawksworth said.

6 News got an inside peak at what's at stake when crews are inside structures battling flames and smoke, but instructors said the flames aren't the only opponent these departments face.

"Manpower is the big thing, and training... getting people out to do the training, and the cost. Cost of firefighting, right now, is a monumental task. So, cost is really hurting us," Hawksworth explained.

A single firefighter's suit can cost upwards of $2,500, but the time to train is consuming too. 

"For a basic firefighter, it's a couple hundred hours of training just to get the turnout gear to go do the work," Hawksworth said.

The work isn't easy. Crews said it's hard to imagine how vital the company is until you really need it. 

Crews tell the community: Get involved. 

"When the firefighter knocks on your door for a donation, every dollar counts," Hawksworth said. 

The training wrapped up Sunday afternoon.

Boy scouts will be on hand next week at the training site to earn some badges in firefighting, as well.