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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Fire Technology

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.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A. in Fire Technology
  • Fire Technology Certificate
  • Firefighter Recruit Academy Certificate
  • Fire Inspector 1 Certificate
  • Fire Investigation 1A Certificate
  • Fire Investigation 1B Certificate
  • Fire Investigation 2A Certificate
  • Fire Investigation 2B Certificate

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, 2026

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 C1004 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 100 Fire Service Conditioning and Fire Academy Preparation (2.5)
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 215 SFT Fire Fighter 1 Academy (11)
FT 216 Fire Fighter 2 Academy (1.5)
FT 217 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1A (8)
FT 218 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1B (1)
FT 219 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1C (2)
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, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. 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, 2026

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 C1004 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 100 Fire Service Conditioning and Fire Academy Preparation (2.5)
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 215 SFT Fire Fighter 1 Academy (11)
FT 216 Fire Fighter 2 Academy (1.5)
FT 217 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1A (8)
FT 218 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1B (1)
FT 219 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1C (2)
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, 2026

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: August 1, 2026

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: August 1, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

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, 2026

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.

FT 109 Fire Fighter Capstone Testing

  • Units:1
  • Hours:20 hours LEC; 20 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Candidates must present a completed and signed State Required Instructional Psychomotor Skills Sheet at time of enrollment to verify they have met the requirements of the Office of the State Fire Marshal and applicable sections of the National Fire Protection Association professional qualification standards.
  • Advisory:Public Safety First Aid and CPR per California Health and Safety code 1797.182 or equivalent
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course prepares students to meet the State Fire Training (SFT) requirements for Fire Fighter 1 (FF1) and/or Fire Fighter 2 (FF2) capstone knowledge and skills testing. (Pass/No Pass Only)

FT 110 Fire Apparatus

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 130 Fire Company Organization and Management

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 141 Legal Aspects of Emergency Services

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course addresses the federal, state, and local laws that regulate emergency services and include a review of national standards, regulations and consensus standards.

FT 170 Fire Investigation

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 180 Rescue Practices

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.


FT 190 Fire Tactics and Strategy

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 192 Wildland Fire Control

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 215 SFT Fire Fighter 1 Academy

  • Units:11
  • Hours:125.75 hours LEC; 218.25 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Public Safety First Aid and CPR per California Health and Safety code 1797.182 or equivalent
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides the knowledge necessary to assume the role of fire fighter with the ability to work effectively and safely within a fire agency. Topics include introduction to the fire service, fire fighter health and safety, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), emergency scene operations, ropes and knots, hand and power tools, building construction and related hazards, fire behavior, fire hose use and maintenance, ground ladder operations, forcible entry, structural search and rescue operations, structural firefighting operations, ventilation techniques, overhaul, fire fighter survival, wildland firefighting techniques, tools and equipment, hazardous materials, and weapons of mass destruction.
Students who have successfully completed FIRE 1500 are not eligible to take this course. Pass/No Pass only.

FT 216 Fire Fighter 2 Academy

  • Units:1.5
  • Hours:20 hours LEC; 28 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:FIRE 1500; Students may enroll in FT 216 in the same semester they enroll in FT 215.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the fire fighter to take on increased leadership roles and responsibilities pertaining to fire department communications, fireground operations, rescue operations, and fire and life safety initiatives, preparedness, and maintenance. Pass/No Pass Only.

FT 217 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1A

  • Units:8
  • Hours:80.25 hours LEC; 193.75 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:Public Safety First Aid and CPR per California Health and Safety code 1797.182 or equivalent
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is the first of a three-course series to prepare students for a career in the fire service. It provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level fire fighter to perform structural suppression activities. Key learning concepts include fire fighter safety; communications; cleaning, maintaining, and utilizing equipment and tools; building construction and fire behavior; water supply; ladder operations; forcing entry into a structure; conducting search and rescue operations; attacking an interior structure fire; horizontal and
vertical ventilation; property conservation; fire scene overhaul; fire fighter survival; and fire suppression with Class A materials, vehicles, and ground cover. FT 217, FT 218, and FT 219 must be completed prior to testing for the Fire Fighter 1 certification. Pass/No Pass Only.

FT 218 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1B

  • Units:1
  • Hours:15.5 hours LEC; 16.5 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is the second of a three-course series to prepare students for a career in the fire service. It provides the awareness skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level fire fighter to recognize and identify hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), isolate hazards and deny entry, and initiate required notification. At the operations level, this course provides the skills and knowledge needed to identify incident scope; select, use, and inspect personal protective equipment (PPE); perform emergency decontamination; perform assigned tasks at a hazardous materials/WMD incident including product control techniques;
and evaluate and report incident progress. FT 217, FT 218, and FT 219 must be completed prior to testing for the Fire Fighter 1 certification. Pass/No Pass Only.

FT 219 Fire Fighter 1 Academy Module 1C

  • Units:2
  • Hours:30 hours LEC; 36 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:FT 217; If student takes Fire Fighter 1C as a stand-alone course.
  • Corequisite:FT 217; If a student takes Fire Fighter 1C – Wildland within an academy program or if co-enrolled in Fire Fighter 1A.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is the third course of a three-course series to prepare students for a career in the fire service. It provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level fire fighter to recognize hazards and unsafe situations; don, doff, and maintain wildland personal protective equipment; deploy a fire shelter; maintain
suppression hand tools and equipment; assemble and prepare for response; construct and secure a fireline; reduce the threat of fire exposure to improved properties; and mop up and patrol a fire area when working with wildland fires. FT 217, FT 218, and FT 219 must be completed prior to testing for the Fire Fighter 1 certification. Pass/No Pass Only.

FT 295 Independent Studies in Fire Technology

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

FT 298 Work Experience in Fire Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Hours:27 - 216 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Before students can participate in the Work Experience program, Los Rios Community College District must have a signed Employer Agreement on file with the student’s employer. If the employer already has an active agreement with the district (viewable at losrios.edu/wexpemployeragreement), no further action is required. In addition, students must have a paid or unpaid internship, volunteer position, or job that aligns with their career goals and a cooperating worksite supervisor who will sign all required course documents. Dual enrollment students are not permitted to enroll in Work Experience courses. Students are advised to consult with the Fire Technology Department faculty to review specific certificate and degree work experience requirements.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides students with opportunities to reflect on their current skills, knowledge and abilities and explore how these are work assets and how these can be enhanced and/or developed to increase employability 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.

Students new to Work Experience will be required to engage weekly while returning participants may meet individually with the instructor as needed. All students are required to attend the first course meeting.

Students may take up to 16 units total across all Work Experience course offerings.This course may be taken up to four times. Students are encouraged to develop new or expanded learning objectives in consultation with their employer when the course is repeated. Only one Work Experience course may be taken per semester.

FT 299 Experimental Offering in Fire Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

FT 300 Fire Protection Organization

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • C-ID:C-ID FIRE 100X
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 301 Fire Prevention Technology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • C-ID:C-ID FIRE 110X
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 302 Fire Protection Equipment and Systems

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 303 Building Construction for Fire Protection

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 304 Fire Behavior and Combustion

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L5
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 305 Firefighter Safety and Survival

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 310 Fire Service Hydraulics

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Successful completion of Prealgebra; AND eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 320 Hazardous Materials

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:Eligibility for ENGL C1000/C1000H (formerly ENGWR 300/480) or ESLW 340
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 495 Independent Studies in Fire Technology

  • Units:1 - 3
  • Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

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.

FT 499 Experimental Offering in Fire Technology

  • Units:0.5 - 4
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog