In the event of a natural disaster or terror attack, first responders have the paramount task of rescue and recovery.

But with the ever-changing landscape of threats and the uncertainty of a large-scale event, it's important for firefighters to train constantly, learn new tactics and keep up with the times.

That's why firefighters from all over the state are training at a high-tech center in Juneau County, learning to handle any situation that comes their way.

It may not look like traditional firefighting.

But these 43 first responders are learning hands-on, one step at a time, how to respond to a catastrophy.

Instructors say the two-week course at the Regional Emergency All-Climate Training, or REACT Center on Camp Williams Military Reservation is a boot camp, of sorts, and the first training program of its kind in the area.

"Training to ready people to respond to disasters - may it be natural or man made," said REACT Instructor and Eau Claire Firefighter Bill Drath.

Ten-hour days: learning the geometry and engineering of buildings and how to carefully cut through concrete, steel and wood with high-powered tools, to ultimately know how to save a structure from further collapse and rescue victims from the rubble.

"It's very intense training," Drath said. "Even as instructors, we're worn out by the end of the day. You're working with tools that are muscle-fatiguing. There's mental stress."

Once the students learn the skills at each station, it's on to the rubble pile: a large simulation of the aftermath of a natural disaster.

Zigzagging eight-foot long concrete tubes, with steel or wood barriers at the end that firefighters have to cut through.

A maze to find victims, with plenty of obstacles: cars, trucks, an overturned bus, furniture, wires, even walls.

"It's like a graduation, a culmination of the whole week's training," Drath said.

The first responders also practice working together, learning how best to communicate with each other, but also using techniques like hand signals to communicate with train and crane operators.

"If a large-scale disaster happens, you're going to bring in people from all over," Drath said.

And trainees like Joe Bennett from La Crosse say it's practical for everyday situations.

"If we ever had a building collapse, a gas explosion or tornado, I think it could be very practical," said REACT Trainee and La Crosse Firefighter Joe Bennett.

Long-time Eau Claire firefighter Rick Merryfield says his department has already used this training twice for rescues.

"It's lots of hands-on," said Merryfield, a REACT trainee. "A great opportunity we don't get in our local jurisdiction."