North Stonington — Putting out fires is second nature to most firefighters, but rescuing horses from barns that are on fire often is not.

That's why Vince Santamauro, business development manager for Waterford-based Shipman's Fire Equipment Co., said Shipman's decided to team up with Phoenix Rising Equine Rescue in North Stonington this weekend to host a free four-hour, hands-on training session.

On Saturday, a day before this year's Fire Prevention Week begins, firefighters from Connecticut and Rhode Island can head to Phoenix Rising's North Stonington location to learn a host of things, including methods of getting horses out of barns, differences in behavior among different breeds and the types of barn facilities that exist in the region.

There will be coffee and refreshments provided before the training begins.

Santamauro said he hopes firefighters who attend return to their stations and share what they've learned.

The event, which begins at 8 a.m., will happen rain or shine.

Slots still are available for firefighters who are interested in attending.

For more information, contact Vince Santamauro at vsantamauro@shipmans.com or (860) 941-8355.