KNIGHTDALE, N.C. — Emergency crews tackled a major fire in Knightdale Thursday. The fire was intentionally set to make sure police officers could put it out.

The training exercise is part of a controversial plan to train new town firefighters and release volunteers.

The town decided to provide its own fire services after an audit raised questions about how the volunteer department was spending its funds.

Knightdale is now forming its own department, training some of its police officers as firefighters, saying it is a good economic move.

The town officially ends its deal with the volunteer fire department on July 1.

The Wake County town of Holly Springs has already adopted a similar program.