Among the 325 trainees at the 95th annual event, where live-fire scenarios look and feel like reality: Four cast members of the hit NBC show 'Chicago Fire.' U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, also observed a scenario in full gear. By ETHAN SIMMONSesimmons@news-gazette.com CHAMPAIGN — Smoke billows, fires rage, straw scatters and hoses blast across the Illinois Fire Service Institute, where more than 450 first responders dart between 27 firefighting training courses. Welcome to the institute's 95th annual Fire College, where live-fire scenarios look and feel like the real deal. read more