A mock community in central Kansas near Salina that provides training on responding to disasters has been expanding thanks to its popularity with emergency crews.

Crisis City opened in October 2009 southwest of Salina on property owned by the Air Force. It hosts training drills that simulate various catastrophes, such as an active shooter, a train derailment or a building collapse. The various venues at Crisis City are designed to provide law enforcement, emergency medical personnel and military with hands-on training.

Joe Pruitt, program consultant and manager, says that Crisis City serves military and civilian personnel from Kansas and other states, including Missouri, Nebraska and Texas.

The site is expanding to 155 acres and a new shooting course is already nearly full.

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Associated Press information from: The Kansas City Star