Fire Technology

Description:

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.

Learning Outcomes Include:

• 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.

The number of students who would earn this degree/certificate every year could potentially reach 30.  Some classes will be offered in alternating semesters, either fall or spring, which may impact annual completion numbers.

Folsom Lake College’s Master Plan states that in Ten Years the college needs to be more strategic in its development of programs.  Additionally the Master Plan states that programs need to be aligned with community and workforce needs.  This certificate and degree program will allow us to better meet the labor needs of our region.

This certificate fits into the FLC mission by providing knowledge, experience, and innovation.  It will improve foundational skills and help students achieve their career goals.  This certificate directly addresses the college goal to “Lead the region in workforce development.”

This certificate and degree fit in the mission curriculum, and master planning of higher education in California by providing academic and vocational instruction for  younger and older students, including those persons returning to school.  It will advance California's economic growth and global competitiveness through education and training that contribute to continuous workforce improvement.

The fire technology program at Folsom Lake College is intended to meet the growing need for firefighters in the region.  This FLC program is designed to provide the student with the skills and knowledge necessary to complete and successfully apply for fire service positions. The curriculum serves as an in-service program as well as a pre-employment program for students seeking employment or advancement in the profession of fire fighting and fire suppression.