Fire Technology
Overview
The Fire Technology program is dedicated to providing high quality training and educational programs for entry level and advanced level in-service instructional courses for those in paid and volunteer fire agencies. Our courses are categorized under the designations FT, FIRE, and FFS.
The FT courses are primarily degree/certificate applicable and include transferrable coursework to four-year colleges. These courses meet most fire agencies’ minimum qualifications for employment in our region and throughout California.
The FIRE and FFS courses are typically offered off-campus through an affiliate agency and have special enrollment limitations, prerequisites, require a different registration process, and may not be routinely offered. These courses include California State Fire Training certificate courses managed by the California State Fire Marshal.
This program was established under the direction of the California Fire Technology Directors Association and the Sacramento Regional Fire Technology Advisory Board. The program offers both an intensive training course culminating in a Certificate of Achievement and an additional general education program leading to the Associate in Arts degree. Instructors in this program are experienced members of the fire service.
Roadmaps
Road maps lay out all of the courses you need to take for a given degree or certificate.
A.A./A.S. Degrees
Certificates
- Academy Director Timothy Adams
- HomeBase Public Service HomeBase
- Phone (916) 570-5000
- Email askhb-publicservice@arc.losrios.edu
Associate Degree
A.A. in Fire Technology
This program focuses on preparing for a career in the fire service. It includes educational opportunities for those currently employed within the fire service and those within volunteer fire agencies. Courses include those required for transfer to four-year colleges, those required to meet eligibility requirements for employment, and those required for incentive salary increases.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Degree Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FT 300 | Fire Protection Organization | 3 |
| FT 301 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3 |
| FT 302 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3 |
| FT 303 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FT 304 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FT 305 | Firefighter Safety and Survival | 3 |
| A minimum of 12 units from the following: | 12 | |
| COMM 321 | Interpersonal Communication (3) | |
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| COMM 331 | Group Discussion (3) | |
| EMT 110 | Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Didactic (6) | |
| and EMT 111 | Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practicum (1) | |
| FT 110 | Fire Apparatus (3) | |
| FT 130 | Fire Company Organization and Management (3) | |
| FT 141 | Legal Aspects of Emergency Services (3) | |
| FT 170 | Fire Investigation (3) | |
| FT 180 | Rescue Practices (3) | |
| FT 190 | Fire Tactics and Strategy (3) | |
| FT 192 | Wildland Fire Control (3) | |
| FT 310 | Fire Service Hydraulics (3) | |
| FT 320 | Hazardous Materials (3) | |
| Total Units: | 30 | |
The Fire Technology Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- complete the duties of an entry level firefighter.
- identify the fundamentals of the Incident Command System (ICS).
- compare and contrast the makeup of a moderate size fire department with a large fire department.
- describe the components of firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- compare and contrast modern PPE with antiquated PPE.
- analyze simulated fire situations for indicators of flashover versus backdraft potential and prescribe mitigation measures to prevent them from occurring.
- assess the fundamentals of physical science as they relate to the fire services: measurements, energy and work theories, power and transfer of heat principles, the laws of matter and the conservation of energy, and the exothermic chemical reaction called combustion.
- classify and compare various types of municipal water systems.
- describe the fundamentals of building construction and apply this knowledge to fire situations where forcible entry and overhaul evolutions may weaken the already fire-weakened structure.
- compare and contrast fire prevention versus fire suppression efforts.
- draft a pre-fire plan.
- evaluate and analyze the rate of fire spread in a structure fire.
- explain the physical and chemical properties of fire.
- describe how ICS is used by fire departments at emergencies.
- compare and contrast the makeup of a fully paid department with a volunteer fire department.
Career Information
Employment opportunities may be found in areas such as building inspection, fire investigation, fire prevention, hazardous materials specialist, public education, and firefighting.
Certificates of Achievement
Fire Technology Certificate
This program focuses on preparing for a career in the fire service. It includes educational opportunities for those currently employed within the fire service and those within volunteer fire agencies. Courses include those required for transfer to four-year colleges, those required to meet eligibility requirements for employment, and those required for incentive salary increases.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FT 300 | Fire Protection Organization | 3 |
| FT 301 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3 |
| FT 302 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3 |
| FT 303 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FT 304 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
| FT 305 | Firefighter Safety and Survival | 3 |
| A minimum of 12 units from the following: | 12 | |
| COMM 321 | Interpersonal Communication (3) | |
| COMM 325 | Intercultural Communication (3) | |
| COMM 331 | Group Discussion (3) | |
| EMT 110 | Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Didactic (6) | |
| and EMT 111 | Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practicum (1) | |
| FT 110 | Fire Apparatus (3) | |
| FT 130 | Fire Company Organization and Management (3) | |
| FT 141 | Legal Aspects of Emergency Services (3) | |
| FT 170 | Fire Investigation (3) | |
| FT 180 | Rescue Practices (3) | |
| FT 190 | Fire Tactics and Strategy (3) | |
| FT 192 | Wildland Fire Control (3) | |
| FT 310 | Fire Service Hydraulics (3) | |
| FT 320 | Hazardous Materials (3) | |
| Total Units: | 30 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- complete the duties of an entry level firefighter.
- identify the fundamentals of the Incident Command System (ICS).
- compare and contrast the makeup of a moderate size fire department with a large fire department.
- describe the components of firefighting Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- compare and contrast modern PPE with antiquated PPE.
- analyze simulated fire situations for indicators of flashover versus backdraft potential and prescribe mitigation measures to prevent them from occurring.
- assess the fundamentals of physical science as they relate to the fire services: measurements, energy and work theories, power and transfer of heat principles, the laws of matter and the conservation of energy, and the exothermic chemical reaction called combustion.
- classify and compare various types of municipal water systems.
- describe the fundamentals of building construction and apply this knowledge to fire situations where forcible entry and overhaul evolutions may weaken the already fire-weakened structure.
- compare and contrast fire prevention versus fire suppression efforts.
- draft a pre-fire plan.
- evaluate and analyze the rate of fire spread in a structure fire.
- explain the physical and chemical properties of fire.
- describe how ICS is used by fire departments at emergencies.
- compare and contrast the makeup of a fully paid department with a volunteer fire department.
Career Information
Employment opportunities may be found in areas such as building inspection, fire investigation, fire prevention, hazardous materials specialist, public education, and firefighting.
Firefighter Recruit Academy Certificate
This program provides the knowledge necessary to assume the role of firefighter with the ability to work effectively and safely with the fire environment as well as within a company in the fire department in all functions of that company. Topics include indoctrination into the fire service, general maintenance, apparatus and equipment operations, fire control, wildland firefighting, emergency vehicle operations, salvage, fire prevention and public education, fire and arson investigation, rapid intervention crew tactics, vehicle extrication, physical fitness/wellness, emergency care, and forcible entry.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIRE 1500 | Firefighter Academy | 11 -15 |
| Total Units: | 11 - 15 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- identify and describe the history, development, structure, organization and responsibility of the Fire Service
- define, identify and apply the components and principles of the Incident Command System
- explain the core values of the fire service and its duty of providing service delivery to the public
- perform preventative maintenance to fire station, apparatus and equipment
- demonstrate the use of fire department apparatus and tools within the scope of assignment
- explain and apply the basic concept of fire control, fire and arson investigation and fire communication systems
- identify and demonstrate basic skills in public education procedures and instruction
- interpret work place rules and laws regarding harassment/discrimination policies and mandated reporting procedures
- relate to wellness programs, stress management and approved academy physical fitness programs
- identify and demonstrate first responder responsibilities for handling medical emergencies
- identify first responder responsibilities for mitigation of hazardous material incidents
- choose safe driving procedures for emergency response vehicles
- apply principles of vehicle extraction
- apply fire suppression tactics and strategies
- interpret wild land fire behavior, suppression techniques and safety measures
- demonstrate firefighter rescue and survival skills
Certificates
Fire Investigation 1A Certificate
This program provides participants with an introduction and basic overview of fire scene investigation. The focus of this course is to provide information in determining the area of fire origin in fires involving vehicles, structures, and wildland. Accidental and criminal fire causes are discussed in detail.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIRE 1670 | Fire Investigation 1A, Fire Cause and Origin Determination (2) | 2 |
| Total Units: | 2 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- distinguish the four different methods of heat transfer and compare their effects during a fire's progression
- choose the correct California Arson Law section when applying it to a factual situation
- recognize the elements necessary for the ignition and the sustained combustion of fuel and heat
- explain the elements required for an electrically caused fire to occur
- identify common scene indicators of arson and apply it to a factual situation
- describe the methodology required for a proper and thorough investigation of a structure, vehicle, and wildland fire
- differentiate between the different types of explosions and their unique effects
Fire Investigation 1B Certificate
This program expands on specific topics encountered by the fire investigator. These topics include detailed information on motives of fire setters; conducting a post blast scene; the investigation of a fire death; the recognition, collection, and preservation of evidence; interviewing and interrogation of witnesses and suspects; and the effect of a building's construction on the spread of fire.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIRE 1671 | Fire Investigation 1B, Techniques of Fire Investigation | 2 |
| Total Units: | 2 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- differentiate between the six common motives associated with fire setters
- examine a fire scene appraising the different safety hazardous associated with an investigation
- compare a fire scene investigation versus a post blast scene investigation
- examine a fire scene to determine the appropriate evidence to support a fire cause
- compare factures associated with an interview and an interrogation
- appraise a fire death scene to determine if a criminal act has occurred
- organize their case investigations utilizing proper case reports, resources, and insurance information
Fire Investigation 2A Certificate
This program provides information on how to investigate, apprehend, and convict arsonists. It focuses heavily on legal case preparation. Topics include interviewing and interrogating suspects, search and seizure, warrants, courtroom demeanor, and working with the district attorney's office.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIRE 1672 | Fire Investigation 2A | 2 |
| Total Units: | 2 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- differentiate among the three effects of an explosion.
- validate an arson corpus after examining a practical fire scene.
- appraise an explosion scene to determine if a criminal act has occurred.
- organize a fire investigation utilizing case reports, court exhibits, and testimony.
- differentiate between the U.S. Supreme Court's finding and California's Supreme Court's requirements in preparing a search warrant.
- recognize the elements necessary for the ignition and the sustained combustion of fuel and heat in a practical situation.
- describe the methodology and procedure required for a proper surveillance operation.
Fire Investigation 2B Certificate
This program provides advanced instruction in fire scene investigation, case preparation, and courtroom presentation. Topics include reviewing fire scene photography, sketching, evidence collection, interviewing and interrogation, and extensive use of simulations for developing and presenting an arson case in court.
Catalog Date: August 1, 2024
Certificate Requirements
| Course Code | Course Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| FIRE 1673 | Fire Investigation 2B | 2 |
| Total Units: | 2 |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate the proper procedure of qualifying as an expert witness in fire origin and cause
- structure interview questions with witnesses and suspects in accordance with federal and state law requirements
- identify common scene indicators of arson and apply it to a practical situation
- examine a fire scene to determine the appropriate evidence needed to support a criminal fire cause
- verify an arson corpus after examining a criminal fire scene
Fire Technology (FT) Courses
FT 100 Fire Service Conditioning and Fire Academy Preparation
- Units:2.5
- Hours:20 hours LEC; 100 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers strength training, flexibility and overall physical conditioning to prepare a student to take the Candidate Physical Ability Test. Additional topics include personal skills development, lifestyle modifications, and firefighting equipment familiarization.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- explain the importance of warm-up and cool-down cycles.
- discuss the benefits of maintaining a regular exercise program.
- develop increased aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, and improved agility.
- identify appropriate techniques for performing various exercises.
- identify appropriate lifestyle modification techniques.
- identify health risk factors.
FT 110 Fire Apparatus
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers various aspects of fire apparatus. Topics include design, typing, specifications, construction, performance capabilities, and maintenance. It also includes warning devices and the utilization of apparatus in fire service emergencies.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss fire apparatus history, typing, design, specifications, and construction
- describe the operation of various fire apparatus and specialized equipment
- analyze the difficulties of maintaining fire apparatus
FT 130 Fire Company Organization and Management
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course explores the organization and management of a fire department and the relationship of government agencies to the fire service. It emphasizes fire service leadership from the perspective of the company officer. Topics include ethical conduct, challenges of supervision, organizational structure, communication, human resource management functions, and administrative functions.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare and contrast leadership versus management within a fire organization
- discuss the leader’s role and responsibilities within a fire organization
- explain the different types of fire department organizations
- identify and describe the general functions of management within a fire organization
- describe the use of the incident management system for responses involving one or more units
- describe the need for research and development at the company level
FT 141 Legal Aspects of Emergency Services
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course addresses the federal, state, and local laws that regulate emergency services and include a review of national standards, regulations and consensus standards.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the different categories of laws in the United States as they pertain to emergency services.
- discuss federal, state, and local laws and liabilities applicable to emergency services.
- explain the purpose of national codes and standards.
- discuss applicable court decisions that have influenced emergency services.
- recognize the legal issues and concerns affecting the emergency services.
FT 170 Fire Investigation
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces the general practices involved in fire investigation. Topics include determining the cause of fires (accidental, suspicious, and incendiary); types of fires; related laws; introduction to incendiary fires; motives for starting fires; recognizing and preserving evidence; interviewing witnesses and suspects; and arrest, detention, and court procedures.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe how to recognize, protect, and preserve evidence of fire cause
- explain the techniques relating to court procedures
- explain the techniques for interviewing witnesses and suspects
- diagnose the point of origin at a fire scene
- describe the scientific method of fire investigation
FT 180 Rescue Practices
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course focuses on the identification and management of rescue situations, such as proper utilization and awareness of equipment, tools, and techniques to handle various rescue situations. Topics include vehicle extrication, water rescue, vertical rescue, building collapse, radiation hazards, hazardous materials rescue, fire situations including rapid intervention awareness, and other emergency situations.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe techniques for dealing with various rescue situations
- set up emergency rescue equipment
- describe confined space rescue operations
- improvise treatments for common medical injuries, using minimal equipment
FT 190 Fire Tactics and Strategy
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is a basic requirement for all fire suppression personnel. Topics include the principles of fire control, utilization of staffing, equipment and placement, extinguishing agents, and fire control methods on the fireground.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- discuss the historical changes in fire service tactics and strategy
- assess the differences in fire extinguishing agents and apply the most effective methods to the situation
- estimate the staffing structure and equipment needs at an emergency utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS)
- calculate the best method for extinguishing the fire on the fireground
- recognize the divisions of fire tactics and strategy
- explain the role of each fire tactics and strategy division
- apply salvage and overhaul procedures at an emergency
- categorize fireground tactics and strategies used in urban and wildland emergency situations
FT 192 Wildland Fire Control
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers all aspects of wildland fire fighting and introduces advances in technology for wildland fire suppression. Topics include fire behavior, weather conditions, topography factors, safety, prevention, extinguishing methods, initial attack, Incident Command System (ICS), communications, aircraft assistances, hand crews, and bulldozer operation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- assess wildland fire behavior as it relates to weather, fuel, and topography
- illustrate the wildland fire threat in California
- describe firefighters' safety as it relates to wildland fire fighting
- demonstrate the methods used to bring wildland fires under control
FT 295 Independent Studies in Fire Technology
- Units:1 - 3
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
FT 298 Work Experience in Fire Technology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Students must be in a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job related to the fire technology field with a cooperating site supervisor. Students are advised to consult with the Fire Technology Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGWR 300 or ESLW 340.
- General Education:AA/AS Area III(b)
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills in preparation for employment or advancement within the field of fire technology. It is designed for students interested in work experience and/or internships in associate degree level or certificate occupational programs. Course content includes understanding the application of education to the workforce, completion of Title 5 required forms which document the student's progress and hours spent at an approved work site, and developing workplace skills and competencies.
During the semester, the student is required to complete 27 hours of related work experience for 0.5 unit. An additional 27 hours of related work experience is required for each additional 0.5 units. All students are required to attend the first course meeting, a mid-semester meeting, and a final meeting. Additionally, students who have not already successfully completed a Work Experience course will be required to attend weekly orientations while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings. This course may be taken up to four times when there are new or expanded learning objectives. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate mastery of specific job skills in the fire technology field related to an associate degree or certificate occupational program level career as written in the minimum three (3) learning objectives created by the student and their employer or work site supervisor at the start of the course.
- make effective decisions, use workforce information, and manage their personal career plans.
- behave professionally, ethically, and legally during work, consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational norms.
- behave responsibly during work, exhibiting initiative and self-management in situations where it is needed.
- apply effective leadership styles during work, with consideration to group dynamics, team and individual decision making, and workforce diversity.
- communicate in oral, written, and other formats, as needed, in a variety of contexts during work.
- locate, organize, evaluate, and reference information during work.
- demonstrate originality and inventiveness during work by combining ideas or information in new ways, making connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshaping goals in ways that reveal new possibilities using critical and creative thinking skills such as logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.
FT 299 Experimental Offering in Fire Technology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
FT 300 Fire Protection Organization
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID FIRE 100X
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides an introduction to fire protection, its career opportunities, and related fire service fields. Topics include philosophy and history of fire protection, fire loss analysis, organization and function of public and private fire protection services, fire departments as part of local government, as well as laws and regulations affecting the fire service. Additionally, fire service nomenclature, specific fire protection functions, basic fire chemistry and physics, introduction to fire protection systems, and introduction to fire strategy and tactics, are covered.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- illustrate and explain the history and culture of the fire service
- analyze the basic components of fire as a chemical chain reaction and the major phases of fire
- differentiate between fire service training and education, and explain the value of higher education to the professionalization of the fire service
- list and describe the major organizations that provide emergency response service and illustrate how they interrelate
- discuss and describe the scope, purpose, and organizational structure of fire and emergency services
- describe the common types of fire and emergency service facilities, equipment, and apparatus
- compare and contrast effective management concepts for various emergency situations
- identify the primary responsibilities of fire prevention personnel including: code enforcement, public information, and public and private protection systems
- describe the importance of wellness and fitness as it relates to emergency services
- examine the main factors that influence fire spread and fire behavior
FT 301 Fire Prevention Technology
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- C-ID:C-ID FIRE 110X
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include history
and philosophy of fire prevention,organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau,use and
application of codes and standards,plans review,fire inspections,fire and life safety education,and fire
investigation.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- define the national fire problem and the role of fire prevention.
- identify and describe fire prevention organizations and associations.
- define laws, authority have jurisdiction (AHJ), regulations, and fire codes.
- define the functions of a fire prevention bureau.
- describe inspection practices and procedures.
- identify and describe the standards for professional qualification for fire marshal, plans examiner, fire inspector, fire and life safety educator, and fire investigator.
- list opportunities in professional development for fire prevention personnel.
- describe the history and philosophy of fire prevention.
FT 302 Fire Protection Equipment and Systems
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course provides information relating to sprinkler design and the operation of fire detection and alarm systems. Topics include fire cause and effect, heat and smoke control systems, sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection, standpipe systems, and portable fire extinguishers.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- compare smoke and fire movement in various types of building construction and the relationship to systems and equipment.
- identify the organizations that provide information or service to fire protection systems.
- compare types, classifications, ratings, and effectiveness of fire extinguishers.
- identify distribution, installation, and testing requirements for fire extinguishers.
- identify the types, components, and operation of fire protection systems and equipment for special hazards.
- identify water supply requirements, distribution systems, and testing for public and private fire protection.
- classify types, components, and operation of automatic and special sprinkler systems.
- identify the types of standpipe systems and their water supply requirements.
- compare detection, alarm, and supervisory devices and systems.
- compare heat and smoke control devices and hardware.
FT 303 Building Construction for Fire Protection
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the components of building construction that relate to fire safety. Specific focus is on elements of construction and the design of structures that are shown to be key factors regarding inspecting of buildings, pre-planning fire operations, and emergency operations at fires. Topics include principles of fire and smoke growth, fire resistance construction, as well as wood, ordinary, steel, and concrete construction.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- classify safety concerns presented by the following types of loads: impact, wind, snow, dead or fixed, live, and fire.
- evaluate fire stability for the following structural members: columns, walls, arches, beams, and trusses.
- describe key factors in the fire performance of three common floors and four ceilings found in wood and ordinary construction.
- choose the key features of a wood-frame building and their implications for fire stability.
- analyze ordinary construction and cite factors in fire stability and fire spread.
- list indicators of collapse in ordinary construction.
- cite the possible fire hazards in various types of construction.
- identify key factors that may be expected to lessen or increase the resistance of steel to stress and fire.
- identify key factors that increase or lessen concrete's resistance to stress and fire.
- evaluate the probable impact of the following factors on smoke spread within buildings: buoyancy, expansion, stack effect, wind, Heating Ventilating Air Conditioning (HVAC), smoke control systems, fire protection systems, and detection systems.
- define architectural features that may adversely affect the safety of emergency operations in buildings under construction.
- describe the history of fire resistance construction and its changes through the years.
FT 304 Fire Behavior and Combustion
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- General Education:AA/AS Area IV
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start and spread, and how they are controlled. Topics include an in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- classify the basic laws differentiating matter and energy.
- compile basic terminology, definitions, and terms associated with basic fire chemistry.
- compose some of the basic chemical symbols used in chemical formula writing.
- identify physical properties in the three states of matter.
- describe the Department of Transportation (DOT) warning placards and labeling systems.
- identify the components of fire.
- describe the various methods and techniques of fire extinguishing.
- list the physical and chemical properties of fire.
- differentiate and explain the phenomena of fire chemistry and behavior.
FT 305 Firefighter Safety and Survival
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course introduces the principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, focusing on the need for cultural and behavioral changes throughout the emergency services profession. It emphasizes occupational health and safety of firefighters as well as their personal and organizational accountability. Topics include safety, risk management, medical and fitness standards, industry standards relating to vehicle operation and road scene safety, as well as firefighter fatality case studies and analysis. This course emphasizes best safety practices before, during, and after the emergency incident.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the risk management process and the operational influence of “after action reviews” on safety.
- explain the need for annual medical evaluations and the establishment of physical fitness criteria for emergency services personnel throughout their careers.
- analyze case studies of emergency scene firefighter fatalities to determine, through examination of cause and effect, how to prevent such incidents in the future.
- explain how technological advancements, training standards, and investigation of accidents and “near misses” can produce a higher level of firefighter safety and survival.
- discuss the importance of fire sprinklers and code enforcement.
- describe the importance of public education as a critical component of life-safety programs.
FT 310 Fire Service Hydraulics
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:MATH 32 or MATH 42; AND eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course covers the theory of water hydraulics, hydraulic distribution systems, hydraulic practices, and extinguishing agents used with fire service hydraulics. Topics include the properties of water at rest and in motion, water velocity and discharge, distribution systems, fire service pumps, friction loss calculations, engine and nozzle pressures, and fire streams. This course also focuses on standpipe systems, automatic sprinkler systems, and foam systems.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- summarize the components related to water supply in fire service hydraulics.
- explain the properties of water at rest and in motion, velocity, and discharge.
- describe how water is discharged from a fire apparatus.
- explain the operational procedures of fire service pumps and their control devices.
- calculate the friction loss of water within a hydraulic system.
FT 320 Hazardous Materials
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Advisory:Eligible for ENGRD 310 or ENGRD 312 AND ENGWR 300; OR ESLR 340 AND ESLW 340.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This course is an introduction to hazardous materials, including physical properties, uses in industry, and characteristics when involved in spills, fires, and accidents. It covers emergency procedures, legal requirements, and compliance with regulations. Topics include flammable and combustible liquids, flammable and non-flammable compressed gases, flammable solids and combustible metals, oxidizing agents, poison gases and liquids, radioactive substances, and corrosive materials.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- describe the various Department of Transportation (DOT) hazard classes
- describe the Department of Transportation's placarding and labeling system
- identify the basic physical properties and burning characteristics of the various classes of hazardous materials
- explain the need for scene isolation, scene stabilization, and incident control
- identify various acceptable methods of incident control measures depending upon the dangers of the chemicals
- analyze the health dangers and symptoms of chemical classes
- compare the safety considerations encumbered by the fire department to ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines
FT 495 Independent Studies in Fire Technology
- Units:1 - 3
- Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
Independent Study is an opportunity for the student to extend classroom experience in this subject, while working independently of a formal classroom situation. Independent study is an extension of work offered in a specific class in the college catalog. To be eligible for independent study, students must have completed the basic regular catalog course at American River College. They must also discuss the study with a professor in this subject and secure approval. Only one independent study for each catalog course will be allowed.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- actively engage in intellectual inquiry beyond that required in order to pass a course of study.
- discuss and outline a proposal of study, that can be accomplished within one semester term, with a supervising instructor qualified within the discipline.
- design an independent study (to be completed individually or by collaboration of a small group) to foster special knowledge, skills, and experience that are not available in any one regularly scheduled course.
- use resources to gather discipline-specific information.
- utilize modes of analysis and critical thinking to apply theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study to significant problems and/or educational activities.
- analyze and apply the knowledge, skills and experience that are involved in the independent study to theoretical perspectives and/or concepts in the major discipline of study.
- explain the importance of the major discipline of study in the broader picture of society.
- communicate a complex understanding of content matter of the major discipline of study.
- demonstrate competence in the skills essential to mastery of the major discipline of study that are necessary to accomplish the independent study.
- identify personal goals and pursue these goals effectively.
- utilize skills from the “academic tool kit” including time management, study skills, etc., to accomplish the independent study within one semester term.
FT 499 Experimental Offering in Fire Technology
- Units:0.5 - 4
- Prerequisite:None.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:August 1, 2024
This is the experimental courses description.
