The San Benito Fire Department is offering a free citizens academy for residents who want to learn more about emergency preparedness.

Anyone 18 or older can sign up starting on Thursday, July 16. Participants will learn about fire operations, EMS, and rescue services.

"It could potentially save a life, and that's just on the medical side," San Benito Fire Department Capt. Jose Luis Perez Jr. said. "We're actually also going to be teaching them how to extinguish a fire with an extinguisher, how to drag hoses, and things like that. It's not necessarily something that you would do at home, but get more appreciation on what we're doing here at the fire department."

Those interested can email ebautista@cityofsanbenito.com or call at 956-340-4618.