Passersby and drivers saw smoke billowing from miles away Saturday.
When approaching Walther Road and Old Baltimore Pike, near Bear, they found a home burning while firefighters stood around to watch the flames engulf the home.
Homeowners gave the Christiana Fire Company permission to use the land for training, in lieu of demolition of the house and several storage sheds. The agreement came with the promise the crew would burn the house to the ground at the end of the exercise.
After the land is cleared and building constructed, a child care facility, the Little Caboose in Jenmar Plaza, will be moving in.
Fire Chief Richard J. Perillo said this rare opportunity allows newer firefighters to train and seasoned veterans to hone in their skills, he said.
"What these homeowners did means we are better prepared for the tragedies that happen every day," Perillo said.