AUGUSTA — The city’s fire department is hosting training for firefighters on Friday and Saturday that illustrates the dangers of hydrogen cyanide.

The training by the Fire Smoke Coalition, which will conclude with a live burn, is being conducted at Florian Hall in the Public Safety Building at the Central Maine Commerce Center.

Rob Schnepp, a chief with the Alameda County, Calif., fire department, is the lead instructor, according to a press release from Augusta Fire Chief Roger Audette.

“This free training session will teach firefighters about the complexities of the combustion process during which numerous gases and toxicants are produced, most especially hydrogen cyanide and carbon monoxide,” the statement said.

Firefighters will be taught how to prevent smoke exposure and how to evaluate a smoke inhalation victim for cyanide exposure or poisoning.

Those expected to attend are statewide first responders.

“This is a critical issue in the fire service, most especially as it relates to firefighter safety and healthy survival and protecting the communities we serve,” Audette said.