Firemen... in Training?

We live near a college and often walk through the grounds. Recently, cutting across the parking lot, I stopped...

Was that water spouting up in the air?!

I pulled out my camera - a fire, perhaps?

Or were they testing a hydrant?

Then the spouting water stopped - and I noticed a group of firemen standing around.

It didn't look urgent... No fire to be seen... Were these firemen in training, perhaps.

I know the college offers police and paramedic training... But I've never noticed student firemen before.

I considered wandering over to explore further - but decided against it. I didn't want to risk getting drenched!