There’s an unusual fire department in Fairbanks, Alaska.

It’s called the University Fire Department. It serves a University of Alaska campus and nearby North Star Borough from two stations.

What makes this department special is that all the rigs are staffed by full-time University students, over 50 of them.

They work side-by-side with 11 career firefighters, who act as mentors. The students work 48 on/96 off shifts and are certified in firefighting and ALS. And they can make up to $30,000 a year!

When they graduate, they’re ready to go to work at any department anywhere. Here to explain how this works is University Fire’s Captain David Mattox.