Fire protection is a highly specialized professional field requiring extensive knowledge and use of scientific principles. Successful application of the fundamental principles of fire protection, including suppression and extinguishment of fires, rescue, emergency medical services, prevention techniques and practices, preplanning for fire protection, and disaster control, requires technical knowledge and the ability to work within an organized system at the fire ground or other emergency scene. These actions require trained, professional people to accomplish the goals and objectives of today’s public and/or private organizations in meeting their commitment to the public and employees they serve. Fire Technology provides the student the opportunity to prepare for a rewarding career in the public fire service or in private industry.
The Fire Technology program provides vocational and technical in-service training for interested students. Each student who completes a program of courses that meets the specified requirements is entitled to a certificate of completion in that field. Certificates are awarded as evidence that well defined levels of proficiency have been attained and they are recognized as such by employers.
In order to be awarded the certificate, the student must have completed the prescribed program with at least a 2.0 grade point average in the prescribed course work. The number of courses prescribed for each certificate varies according to the area of training.
For the most current information about VVC’s Fire Technology programs, application deadlines, costs, and other requirements, please visit the Fire Technology Department website.
Career Opportunities
Apparatus Operator, Disaster Preparedness, Fire Administrative Analyst, Fire Chief, Fire Division Chief, Fire Fighter I, Fire Officer I, Fire Prevention Specialist, Fire Protection Engineer, Industrial Fire Safety Specialist
Faculty
Valdez, Robert
Transfer
Not usually a transfer major. Some Fire Technology courses do transfer as electives or fulfill subject credit requirements, California State University, Los Angeles offers a Fire Protection Administration and Technology, BS degree which requires a minimum of 18 major units to be completed in Fire Technology at a community college. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Humboldt State University offer bachelor's degrees in Forestry with concentrations in Fire Management. Visit assist.org for community college courses which will transfer as requirements toward these bachelor’s degrees. Students planning to pursue this bachelor’s degree should also complete the CSU General Education-Breadth Requirements before transfer, if possible.
Programs of Study
- All Risk Firefighter Certificate of Achievement
- Basic Firefighter Certificate of Achievement
- Fire Fighter Academy
- Fire Fighter Certificate of Achievement
- Fire Technology, AS
- IFSAC/Pro-Board Firefighter I Certificate of Achievement
- Intermediate Firefighter Certificate of Achievement
- Introduction to Firefighting Certificate of Achievement
- Wildland Firefighter Certificate of Achievement
Program Learning Outcomes
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze, appraise and evaluate fire and emergency incidents and identify components of emergency management and fire fighter safety including: Size-up, report on condition, Incident Command System; RECEO; 10 Standard Firefighting Orders; and 18 Situations that “Shout Watch Out”.
- Analyze the causes of fire, determine extinguishing agents and methods, differentiate the stages of the fire and fire development, and compare methods of heat transfer.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills required to respond appropriately to fire and environmental emergency situations at the private, city, state and federal levels with emphasis in one or more of the following areas: wildland fire fighting; hazardous materials response; structural fire suppression, prevention, and investigation, disaster response, first responder; emergency medical technician; or leadership responsibilities.
- Identify and comprehend laws, regulations, codes and standards that influence fire department operations, and identify regulatory and advisory organizations that create and mandate them, especially in the areas of fire prevention, building codes and ordinances, and firefighter health and safety.
- Identify minimum qualifications and entry level skills for fire fighter hiring. The student will be able to describe the following elements: application process; written exam process; physical agility exam, oral interview, chief’s interview; background investigation; and fire fighter probationary process.
- Identify and describe common types of building construction and conditions associated with structural collapse and firefighter safety.
- Apply knowledge and skills required to respond appropriately to fire and environmental emergency situations at the private, city, state and federal levels with emphasis in one or more of the following areas: wildland fire fighting; hazardous materials response; structural fire suppression, prevention, and investigation, disaster response, first responder; emergency medical services; or leadership responsibilities.
- Describe the educational requirements, minimum qualifications, entry-level skills and ongoing certification requirements for firefighting positions, as well as the hiring process: application process; written exam process; physical agility exam, oral interview, chief’s interview; background investigation; and firefighter probationary process.
- Identify laws, regulations, codes and standards that influence fire department operations, as well as regulatory and advisory organizations that create and mandate them, especially in the areas of fire prevention, building codes and ordinances, and firefighter health and safety.
- Apply industry fire and emergency safety protocols including: Size-up, report on condition, Incident Command System; 10 Standard Firefighting Orders; and 18 Situations that "Shout Watch Out."
- Identify and apply principles of fire science and use of equipment for designated situations including: Wildland Fire Fighting; hazardous materials response; structural fire suppression, prevention, and investigation, disaster response, first responder; emergency medical technician; or leadership responsibilities.
Fire Technology Courses
This course is designed to provide the entry level public safety candidate the knowledge required to function in the fire academy. Firefighter Etiquette is the focus of this course.This course will not apply to the Associate Degree. Pass/No pass.
Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
A series of lectures and manipulative drills designed to provide maintenance of skills learned, including updates in technology relating to fire department organization, hose, ladders, tools and equipment, salvage, fire chemistry, extinguishers, and emergency response techniques. Students must be employed by a Fire Department or gaining work experience toward California Firefighter I Certification. This course will not apply to the Associate Degree. This course is repeatable.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 432.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course provides the fire fighter company officer student with new information and skill development to maintain efficency and effectiveness as a company officer and fire fighter. New policies and procedures are presented. Student demonstrates proficiency in using tools, tactics and strategies in managing personnel, budgets, etc. This course will not apply to the Associate Degree. Prerequisite: Employment as a fire company officer in a modern fire service agency. Pass/No Pass.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed to prepare the student to take and successfully pass the entrance level fire fighter examination process. Topics discussed include: seeking employment opportunities, the application process, the various examinations given to applicants, oral interviews, and other aspects of the examination process. This course will not apply to the Acssociate Degree. Grade option.
Lecture Hours: 9.0; Lecture Hours: 0.56
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is the field externship portion of the Firefighter I Academy. Students will spend lab hours in the field with an all-risk fire department performing the duties of a Firefighter/EMT.
Recommended Preparation: FIRE 95
Lecture Hours: 9.0; Lab Hours: 216.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed to develop fundamental skills in combating structure fires by providing the students with a thorough understanding of fire behavior, ventilation procedures and techniques, interior fire attack, and exterior fire attack using a live-fire simulator. In many cases, this will be the fire fighter's first exposure to live structural fire fighting.
Lecture Hours: 0.56; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course provides the knowledge and skills that prepare a firefighter to extinguish an ignitable liquid fire, control a flammable gas fire, and develop an incident action plan for a pipeline emergency. (Formerly FIRE 9A)
Lecture Hours: 0.56; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course provides the State Fire Marshal Certification Skills testing and Firefighter I knowledge test required for Firefighter I Certification or Firefighter I Reciprocity Testing.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course provides the student with information on driver responsibilities, recognized standards, and related laws for fire apparatus. Topics include basic inspections, documentation, maintenance, and troubleshooting fire apparatus, and techniques on driving and positioning fire apparatus. Each student also has the opportunity to increase his or her driving skills during simulated driving conditions. Designed for fire service emergency response personnel.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
Designed for fire service emergency response personnel. This course provides the student with information on pump construction and theory of pump operations. Topics include: methods for performing basic hydraulics and techniques on basic inspections, documentation, maintenance, and troubleshooting fire pumps. Each student also has the opportunity to increase his or her pumping skills during simulated pumping conditions. Pass/No Pass.
Recommended Preparation: FIRE 95
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is for veteran firefighters or other interested students that want to enhance their knowledge and ability as it pertains to the fire ground operations associated with truck company tactics and strategy. Basic roof construction, vertical and horizontal ventilation, forcible entry, positive and negative ventilation, search and rescue, thermal imaging technology, firefighter safety and survival, rapid intervention tactics, elevator rescue and related truck company operations will be discussed. Pass/No Pass.
Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course presents information and skill development to students seeking employment and a career with a wildland fire agency. This course provides 80 hours of wildland firefighter training. Upon completion, students will receive National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) certification in I-100, S-110, S-130, S-190 and L-180. Students must have a good attitude and a willingness to work hard.
Recommended Preparation: FIRE 82A, FIRE 11B, FIRE 66, EMS 50, or FEMA-EMI Online-IS-100, ICS 100, an introduction to the incident command system certification, FEMA-EMI Online - IS-700, NIMS National Response Plan certification
Lecture Hours: 9.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Not transferable
Provides a basic firefighter course oriented toward the equipment utilized on CDF engines. Fundamentals of wildland fire control and techniques of controlling other emergency incidents are covered with a strong safety perspective. The course is structured with a maximum emphasis on demonstration, student application and performance examinations. New protocols, procedures and equipment are presented and student demonstrates proficiency in using tools, tactics and strategies for fire control.
Prerequisite(s): FIRE 59, Minimum grade C
Lecture Hours: 9.0; Lab Hours: 108.0
Transfer: Not transferable
The 40 hour State Fire Rescue Systems I course is designed to provide the student with the ability to apply basic search and rescue skills under the California Urban Search and Rescue Operational levels. Students learn to approach rescue situations safely and understand the organizational concerns at an All-Risk technical rescue incident. Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a California State Fire Marshals Certificate which is the foundation requirement for other urban search and rescue classes. Pass/No Pass.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
The 40-hour Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations course is designed to provide the student with the ability to apply basic search and rescue skills under the California Urban Search and Rescue Operational levels. Students learn to approach rescue situations safely and understand the organizational concerns at an All-Risk technical rescue incident. Upon completion of the course, the student will receive a California State Fire Marshals Certificate which is the foundation requirement for other urban search and rescue classes. Pass/No Pass.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
Designed for all fire service personnel. This course provides instruction in identifying a permit and nonpermit required confined space, the hazards associated with confined spaces, target industries and hazards, state regulations, communications, and equipment requirements. This course does not qualify participants to make permit required entries. OSFM-SFT certification. Material and FSTEP Certification fee. Pass/No Pass.
Lecture Hours: 9.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed for personnel who in the discharge of rescue duties find themselves working in immediately dangerous to life and health environments. This is the 40 hr. California State Fire Marshal course required for USAR Team members. (Formerly FIRE 11D.) Pass/No Pass.
Recommended Preparation: FIRE 95
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
The first part of this course was developed in the continuing effort to reduce the number of fire fighter injuries and fatalities that occur on an annual basis and provides a greater understanding how to avoid committing fatal errors on the fireground. Avoiding situations that could cause you to become lost, trapped, or injured is the best way to prevent tragedies at a fire scene. Topics include fire fighter survival terminology, developing a survival attitude, increasing situational awareness, and being trained in problem-solving techniques so you can become more self-reliant in an emergency. Case studies will be reviewed to outline factors common in many line-of-duty deaths (LODDs) Across the nation the Rapid Intervention Crew Operations course trains fire fighters to rescue a downed fire fighter in an immediately dangerous to life and health environment. In the continuing effort to reduce the number of fire fighter injuries and deaths that occur regularly, this course focuses on self survival and a survival attitude. Students train using evolutions and scenarios based off tragedies suffered by fellow fire fighters from departments across the country. Students receive information on how to locate and use these LODD studies as training and prevention tools throughout their careers. The second part of this course focuses on the three phases of a RIC operations: 1) pre-deployment, 2) deployment, and 3) rescue. During the class, you will also gain a greater understanding of RIC operations terminology and the RIC mindset.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed to equip the student with the information, techniques and methods for utilizing rope, webbing, hardware friction devices and litters in low angle rescue situations. Topics include rope and related equipment, anchor systems, safety lines, stretcher lashing and rigging, mechanical advantage, single line and two line systems . This course is designed for the fire fighter student with essential fire fighting skills. Pass/No Pass.
Recommended Preparation: FIRE 95
Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed for personnel who in the discharge of rescue duties will engage in missions that encompass numerous hazards such as those involving confined spaces, energized electrical services, hazardous materials, adverse weather, unstable structures, high technology rescue tools, emergency building shoring, breaking, breaching, burning and cutting, and lifting and moving heavy objects. Pass/No Pass.
Lecture Hours: 18.0; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
Bridges the training gap between the California State Fire Training Rescue Systems 2 Advanced Rescue Skills course and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Structural Collapse Technician course. Key topics include: power actuated tools, pneumatic shores, additional tools and techniques for breaking and breaching, cutting a tensioned cable, the O course, rigging, and crane operations.
Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course will prepare participants to undergo competency testing for high angle rescue. The scope of the program is to familiarize participants with the high angle environment and experience; and for them to safely participate in the engineering and operation of simple to complex rescue systems.
Lecture Hours: 1.13; Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
Provides hands-on experience in the procedures and systems utilized during an automobile extrication. Subjects covered include: Auto Extrication, types of hand and power tools, removing windows, opening doors, removing windows, opening doors, removing roofs, pulling steering wheels, moving foot pedals, raising dashboards, pulling seats, stabilization of vehicles, and simulated rescues of trapped victims.
Lecture Hours: 0.56; Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is an overview of the Incident Command System. Designed for the emergency responder who responds to and operates within the Incident Command System (ICS). CSFM FSTEP Certification. Recommended preparation: Federal Emergency Management Institute's ICS-100. Pass/No Pass.
Lecture Hours: 18.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This three day (24 hour) course will take you from classroom discussion to working safely and efficiently in a trench rescue environment. This hands-on training program will cover topics that include: Trench and Excavation Regulations, Understanding Soil, Trench Configurations, Trench Hazards, Rescue Team Preparation, Incident Response, Initial On Scene and Pre-Entry Operations, Shoring Systems and Components, Installation of Shoring Systems, Victim Rescue and Recovery and Incident Termination
Prerequisite(s): FIRE 11A, Minimum grade C
Lab Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course is designed to provide the student with information essential to those people who are likely to be first responders at hazardous materials incidents. Designed to meet federal and state requirements for awareness training for employees handling and using hazardous materials.
Lecture Hours: 9.0; Lecture Hours: 0.56
Transfer: Not transferable
This course provides the students with a fundamental knowledge of the factors affecting operating procedures at a Hazardous Material Incident. This course will improve the capabilities of the first responder to respond to a Haz Mat event in a safe and competent manner, within the typical resource and capability limits at the operational level. This course meets the First Responder Operational Haz Mat Emergency Response certified course requirements of California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 19, Division 2, Chapter 1, Subchapter 2, Sections 2510-2560. The course includes the CSTI Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Certification as well as the State Fire Marshal Hazardous Materials Skills for Firefighter I. Pass/No Pass
Lecture Hours: 27.0; Lecture Hours: 1.69
Transfer: Not transferable
This course introduces the student to the basic concepts for first responder operational procedures at the scene of a potential or actual terrorist incident and discusses safety and survival tactics. Pass/No Pass. Prerequisite: FIRE 82A or CSTI Haz-Mat First Responder Operational Certification. (Formerly Fire 4B)
Prerequisite(s): FIRE 82A, Minimum grade of C, or CSTI Haz-Mat First Responder Operational Certification.
Lab Hours: 9.1
Transfer: Not transferable
This course provides the student with the information and skills to safely and competently decontaminate people and equipment at a hazardous materials (haz mat) incident. California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) certified. Meets federal and state requirements as listed in 29 CFR 1910.1209(q), CCR 5192(q), NFPA472 and includes the State Fire Marshal requirements for Firefighter I / Hazardous Materials Certification
Prerequisite(s): FIRE 82A, Minimum grade C
Lab Hours: 9.1
Transfer: Not transferable
This course expands upon information covered in ICS-100 and ICS-200 including unified command, incident/event assessment, objective development, planning, incident/event resource management, transfer of command and demobilization. Pass/No Pass.
Prerequisite(s): FIRE 66, Minimum grade C, or experience as a fire fighter using the ICS system.
Lecture Hours: 27.0
Transfer: Not transferable
Basic Fire Academy provides basic training for individuals interested in becoming a career firefighter. Comprehensive introduction to basic firefighting theory and skills required in modern firefighting, including: study of characteristics and behavior of fire; practice in fundamental fire suppression activities with special attention on safety; practice in basic rescue techniques; study of public service principles and fire service etiquette. Students must attend a mandatory orientation.
Prerequisite(s): (EMS 60 or EMT Certification) and (FIRE 61B, or CA State Fire Marshall Confined Space Awareness Certificate;) and (FIRE 66 or I200 Certificate) and (and FIRE 82A or CSTI Hazmat First Responder Operational Certificate, Minimum grade C) and (FIRE 60)
Co-requisite(s): FIRE 61H, FIRE 82C, FIRE 82D, FIRE 61E, FIRE 63A, and FIRE 40A
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lab Hours: 405.0
Transfer: Not transferable
This course provides an overview to: fire protection and emergency services; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; culture and history of emergency services; fire loss analysis;organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature;specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics; life safety initiatives. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Provides the student with the fundamentals of fire department organization, management, and resources, and emphasizes the use of those resources to control various emergencies. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationship of fire prevention with fire safety education and detection and suppression systems. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
Provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers. CSU
Recommended Preparation: FIRE 100
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course explores the theories and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course provides the components of building construction that relate to fire and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies.(Formerly FIRE 69). CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
A study of the origin of any and all types of fires (accidental, incendiary, and suspicious); and law relating to fire investigation. Recognizing, collecting, and preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, arrest and detention procedures, court procedures and giving a testimony. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental knowledge of the factors affecting wildland fire prevention, fire behavior, and control techniques. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course introduces the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives. CSU
Lecture Hours: 54.0; Lecture Hours: 3.38
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
This course is designed to prepare the student to take the entrance level firefighter physical agility examination through physical conditioning and specificity training. Students are shown varyiing entrance exam events oftne used in the physical agility portions and basic ergonomic techniques. General lecture on health and the importance of firefighter physical fitness. Emphasis on physical conditioning and exercise.
Co-requisite(s): FIRE 95
Lab Hours: 135.0
Transfer: Not transferable