On Saturday, where there is smoke, there is training.

Black smoke rose high over Shakopee this morning, causing two curiosity seekers to veer from their intended route to the community center walking track.

Trainees from Shakopee, Chaska, Carver

Fire crews from miles around had gathered near the Rahr Malting property on the banks of the Minnesota River to burn a group of old buildings in a training exercise intended to clear the area for future development.
"I used to live in that house," life-time Shakopee resident Matt Drees exclaimed to his driver. Flames licked at the old building as firefighters sprayed just enough water to keep things under control without extinguishing the blaze.

Later, without breaking stride, Matt
handled other important
business of the day.

Firemen stood close enough to stay warm without catching fire. Despite temperatures in the low teens, a knot of townspeople gathered to witness the excitement of flashing lights, burning buildings and jets of water.
A camera drone circled overhead recording the event for its operator.
The two curiosity seekers didn't get out of their car, just shot these photos as they slowly cruised past the scene of the action. There would be enough exercise later this morning at the walking track in the community center, and besides Matt's back is still on the mend from recent surgery.
With their inspection complete and satisfied that the situation was under control and in competent hands, the pair signed off, turned south and sped away.

Matt points out features in the old neighborhood that is about to get a make over.