Basic Firefighter Academy
This 560-hour course provides manipulative and technical training in basic concepts of fire department organization, ropes, knots and hitches, hose and hose handling, ladder evolutions, wildland fires, fire investigation, fire prevention, salvage operations, fire department apparatus, tools and equipment, breathing apparatus, how to prepare yourself for a career in the fire service, extinguishers, personal protective equipment, communications, hazardous materials, confined space awareness, FF safety and survival, emergency care, forced entry, and physical fitness training is provided as part of our program.
Basic Fire Academy Class 25-7 Upcoming Dates
Application period is October 7, 2024 through October 21, 2024.
Applications will be available for download from this website beginning on October 7, 2024.
Candidate Testing will take place November 5 or November 7, 2024. Candidates will be required to attend one of the test dates. For more information on the testing phase, please see the testing criteria under "Enrollment and Certification".
- Sizing and Orientation: Tentatively scheduled for November 14, 2024
- Final Orientation: December 30, 2024
- Academy Start Date: January 6, 2025 - May 17, 2025
Enrollment and Certification
American River College operates two fire academies each year, January through mid May (Spring Academy), and August through mid December (Fall Academy). Application packets will be available on this website for the Spring Academy in October, and in May for the Fall Academy each year.
While there are no official prerequisites, the ideal candidate will have completed an accredited Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program which includes American Heart Association CPR for the Healthcare Provider, however, discretion rests with the Academy Director.
As part of the competitive selection process, candidates who have their application packet accepted, are required to participate in a written and physical assessment as part of the selection process prior to the Academy start date, date to be determined. The physical assessment includes push-ups, pull-ups, plank for time, and a 1.5 mile run for time. The written assessment is a multiple choice test consisting of the following six sections:
- Memory Recall
- Mechanical Aptitude
- Directional Orientation
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Judgement and Reasoning
Credit enrollment is one semester (approximately 16 units) through American River College.
Certification includes California OSFM Firefighter I; ICS: I100, I200, I700; Confined Space Rescue Awareness; Fire Control 3; Firefighter Survival; Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician; CSTI Pro Board Haz Mat FRO; Wildland L180, S190, S130, and S131.
| Fee Name | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment and Tuition Fees | $736 (16 units at $46 per unit) |
American River College |
| Student Materials | $500 | TBD |
| Student Certifications | $500 | TBD |
| CSFM FF1 Testing and Certification | $225 | TBD |
| SCBA Rental | $600 | SCBA Vendor |
| PPE Rental/Purchase | $800 | PPE Rental Vendor |
| Uniform Package | $250 | Uniform Vendor |
| PT Gear Uniform Package | $130 | Uniform Vendor |
*Fees for Student Materials, Certifications, SCBA Rental and PPE Rental may be substantially less pending approval of Grant money provided by ARC. The fees currently do not reflect this and will be adjusted lower if approved.
Contact
Email:arcfireacademy@sacfire.org
Phone: (916) 767-2380
Hours
This Academy is considered a part-time academy.
- Class meeting times will be:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- Each day is a 10-hour instructional day from 0630 - 1700.
Location
Northern California Regional Public Safety Training Authority
2409 Dean Street McClellan, CA 95652
Room #130
Firefighter Academy Application
The Application period is now closed.