COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) -- They've seen how quickly a fire can destroy a house, but some firefighters got a taste of what it's like to build one.

About 25 firefighters, members of the International Association of Firefighters Local 15, spent a day last week working on two houses for Habitat for Humanity.

The firefighters were working on their time off, firefighter Chris Sorenson said.

While they are firefighters by career, many of them brought necessary skills to the project.

``We've got guys here that have all kinds of talents that are useful to this; plumbers, electricians, roofers, carpenters, they do all kinds of different things,'' Sorenson said.

The project was part of Habitat for Humanity's Blitz Build Week, which works to get a number of houses built in that time frame.

The firefighters were assigned to work on two residences.

``(Habitat for Humanity) does good things for the community and helps to improve a lot of neighborhoods,'' Sorenson said. ``With the different skills that we have, we thought this will be a natural fit.''

Habitat for Humanity volunteers worked with the firefighters to construct the frames and second floors on the houses.

``It's vital that we give something back,'' said Justin James, Local 15 Union president. ``Habitat for Humanity is a good program that helps a lot of people. Plus we think it's important that the public get to know us outside of emergency situations.''

James said many of the firefighters participate in different charitable causes individually. He added that the union hoped to work with a different charity or cause once every other month.

``We like to work together on these projects,'' he said. ``We spend so much time together anyway, it's like we never leave each other.''