Health and Safety Sciences Division: Fire Technology
This rigorous program is designed to prepare you to work as a firefighter or help you upgrade your skills if you are already working in the profession. The courses conform to the recommended Uniform Fire Technology Curriculum of the California Community College System.
What certificates/degrees can I earn?
- Fire technology certificate
- Wildland fire technology certificate
- Associate in Science degree in fire technology
- Associate in Science degree in wildland fire technology
What will I learn?
You will have the opportunity to learn about vehicle rescue techniques, including using the Jaws of Life, as well as how to ventilate a building, lay fire hose and attack lines, put up a ladder and use rope rescue systems. Building construction and fire prevention will also be covered, culminating in live fire training.
What kinds of classes are offered?
The core classes in fire protection, prevention and behavior will help you determine if this is the career for you. If you find this industry appealing, you can apply to enter an academy and/or pursue an associate degree in fire technology. Each offers distinct advantages and training useful in the field.
- The Firefighter 1 Academy will provide you with the knowledge and skills to complete training for the California State Fire Marshall Firefighter 1 certification. This certification is required in order to apply as a firefighter. Training will be held in the classroom and in ground drills.
- The Wildland Fire Academy will provide you with the basic knowledge and skills to obtain an entry-level position as a temporary, on-call wildland firefighter. Upon successful completion of the academy, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group will award you a certificate. Approximately half of your training will be in the classroom and half in practical training applications.
- The associate degree programs prepare you for full-time, permanent positions as a firefighter.
What is Wildland Fire Academy?
Wildland Fire Academy is 240 hours of classroom and outdoor skills classes that will give you a jump start for positions as a Wildland Firefighter. Top performing students may be asked to join the Antelope Valley College Wildland Fire Handcrew.
How do I get into the academy?
You must attend one of the Wildland Firefighter Academy information/orientation sessions, and complete an application and medical examination.
To be a candidate, you must be a high school graduate or have a GED, and you must be 18 years old on or before June 8, 2020.
How do I get more information about frequently asked questions?
Informational Meetings - Wildland Fire Academy
February 21 • March 20 • April 10 • April 24
All meetings will be held from 5:00 - 6:00 pm in TE2-120, Antelope Valley College Lancaster Campus.
The information/orientation sessions are designed to answer all questions about the academy, the application process, and the basic expectations of successful candidates.
Wildland Firefigher Academy Dates
June 8 to July 17, 2020
Antelope Valley College Lancaster Campus • TE2-120
Informational Meetings - Firefighter 1 Academy
All informational sessions will be held in Building TE 2, Room 120 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on the following dates:
February 20, 2020
March 19, 2020
April 16, 2020
May 14, 2020
What are possible jobs in this field?
The fire technology field offers you many employment options, including a job as a forestry technician, wildland firefighter, hot shot crew member, helitack crew member, fire prevention technician, industrial fire brigade, health and safety inspector or Type II hand crew member.
Who could hire me?
Antelope Valley College’s Fire Technology program gives you a competitive edge in the fire technology field. However, even with completion of the certificate or degree, firefighter candidates cannot be hired without passing a state-mandated exam given to thousands of candidates each year.
Municipal fire departments in the area often hire graduates from this program, and each year the California City Fire Department accepts a handful of students as volunteer firefighter reserve interns.
What’s the average pay range for local jobs in this field?
Most local jobs in this industry start at approximately $50,000 per year.
Sounds great! How do I get more information?
Contact the Health and Safety Sciences Division, (661) 722-6300, ext. 6402.
Firefighter 1 Academy Information Sessions Flyer