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Fire Technology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

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: January 1, 2025

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 the local ARC General Education Requirement, 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: January 1, 2025

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: January 1, 2025

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 Inspector 1 Certificate

This program provides the knowledge necessary to assume the role of an entry level fire inspector within a fire department's fire prevention division.

Catalog Date: January 1, 2025

Certificate Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
FIRE 1704 Fire Inspector 1A: Duties and Administration 1.25
FIRE 1705 Fire Inspector 1B: Fire and Life Safety 1.25
FIRE 1706 Fire Inspector 1C: Field Inspection 1.25
FIRE 1707 Fire Inspector 1D: California Specific 0.75
FT 141 Legal Aspects of Emergency Services (3) 3
   or FT 304 Fire Behavior and Combustion (3)
Total Units: 7.5

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • identify the administrative and field inspection duties of a Fire Inspector 1.
  • identify the codes that give a fire inspector legal authority to conduct inspections in the state of California.
  • identify the applicable codes or standards in order to reference the applicable documents, edition, and section for a given fire protection, fire prevention, or life safety issue.
  • conduct a fire and life safety inspection in accordance with jurisdictional policies.
  • identify and adhere to confidentiality and privacy policies throughout the inspection process.
  • create a clear and concise inspection report based on observations made during a field inspection.
  • recognize when construction plans are required.
  • identify the steps needed to investigate common complaints, including documentation.
  • understand what is needed to participate in legal proceedings.
  • identify the construction type based on field observations, a description of the project and a description of the materials used.
  • identify the occupancy classification of a single-use occupancy in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
  • calculate the allowable occupant load of a single-use occupancy or portion thereof in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
  • identify the means of egress elements and their operational status or compliance with applicable codes and standards.
  • identify, document, and report deficiencies involving equipment, processes and operations and their applicable code and/or standard.
  • identify conditions that will lead to hazardous fire growth potential within a building or space.
  • calculate fire flow results from water supply data.
  • recognize what is required for emergency plans and preparedness measures for various occupancy classifications.
  • compare an approved plan to an existing fire protection system in order to identify, document, and report any modifications to the system in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policies.
  • inspect emergency access for an existing system in order to ensure maintenance of the required access for emergency responders, and identify, document, and correct deficiencies in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policies.
  • determine the operational readiness of existing fixed fire suppression systems in order to ensure operational readiness, document maintenance, and identify, document, and report deficiencies in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policies.
  • determine the operational readiness of existing fire detection and alarm systems in order to ensure operational readiness, document maintenance, and identify, document, and report deficiencies in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policy.
  • determine the operational readiness of existing portable fire extinguishers in order to ensure operational readiness, document maintenance, and identify, document, and report deficiencies in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policies.
  • identify hazardous materials or substances by their properties in accordance with the basic principles of chemistry.
  • verify code compliance for incidental storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible liquids and gases in order to address applicable codes and standards and identify, document, and report deficiencies in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policies.
  • identify the requirements for temporary membrane structures.
  • identify storage and handling requirements for safe and sane fireworks at fireworks stands.
  • identify requirements for public fireworks display in order to verify that fireworks storage, handling, and use comply with applicable codes and standards, and identify, document, and report deficiencies in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policies.
  • identify requirements for proximate fireworks or special effects display in order to verify that fireworks storage, handling, and use comply with applicable codes and standards, and identify, document, and report deficiencies in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policies.
  • identify exterior hazards abatement on an existing property in order to verify compliance with applicable codes and standards, and identify, document, and report deficiencies and mitigation measures in accordance with applicable codes and standards and jurisdictional policies.

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: January 1, 2025

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: January 1, 2025

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: January 1, 2025

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: January 1, 2025

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