Fire Technology AS Degree (employment preparation)
Fire technology is the study of the organization and function of fire prevention and suppression techniques; fire behavior and combustion, fire chemistry, extinguishing agents, hazardous and toxic material; fire protection systems; fire command and fire management (supervision).
Career paths chosen by students pursuing an undergraduate and/or baccalaureate degree in fire technology commonly include firefighter, fire engineer, paramedic, forest service worker, health and safety officer, fire prevention specialist, fire inspector, fire investigator, fire protection engineer and hazardous materials specialist.
College of the Desert’s Fire Technology curriculum includes course offerings that provide a general overview of fire service disciplines, as well as specific courses in fire suppression, fire tactics and strategy, fire prevention, design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, hazardous materials, fire protection building design and construction. In addition, Fire Service Training & Education Program (FSTEP) and California Fire Service Training & Education System (CFSTES) courses through the California State Fire Marshal's office are offered in this program.
College of the Desert is recognized by the California State Fire Marshal as an Accredited Regional Training Program offering a Firefighter 1 Basic Training Academy. The objective for this program are to develop teamwork, skills, attitudes and public service commitment necessary for employment in the fire service.
Students earning an Associate of Science in Fire Technology (employment preparation) may pursue positions as a firefighter, paramedic or firefighter/ EMT or may choose to continue their study in fire technology or fire service toward a bachelor’s degree.
Learning Outcomes
Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:
- Recognize the characteristics of fire behavior caused by external influences of weather and chemicals during stages of fire behavior, heat transfer and extinguishment.
- Exhibit a working knowledge of the various aspects of the Fire Service to include but not limited to Fire Department structure, operations, educational and experiential requirements for fire service jobs.
- Explain the various types of fire protection systems as they relate to design, inspections and certifications in the fire service.
- Identify building construction types and the anticipated building collapse conditions that will occur during fire emergency situations.
- Display aptitude and knowledge necessary to qualify for employment in fire prevention and fire suppression industries.
Program Requirements
| Course Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| FIRE 001 | Principles of Emergency Services | 3 |
| OR | ||
| Principles of Emergency Services 1A and Principles of Emergency Services 1B | ||
| FIRE 002 | Fire Prevention | 3 |
| FIRE 003 | Fire Protection Systems | 3 |
| FIRE 004 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
| FIRE 005 | Fire Behavior & Combustion | 3 |
| FIRE 007 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Services Safety & Survival | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Select 22 units from the following (with Advisor approval): | ||
| FIRE 006 | Hazardous Materials/ICS | 3 |
| FIRE 008 | Firefighting Strategies & Tactics | 3 |
| FIRE 009 | Fire Protection Hydraulics and Water Supply | 3 |
| FIRE 010 | Wildland Fire Technology | 3 |
| FIRE 024 | Report Writing for the Fire Service | 3 |
| FIRE 095A | Fire Technology Work Experience (Maximum of 4 units may be used for work experience) | 1-4 |
| BFFA 063 | Basic Fire Fighter I Academy (Full Time) | 19 |
| OR | ||
| BFFA 063A & BFFA 063B | Basic Fire Fighter I Academy (Part 1) and Basic Fire Fighter I Academy (Part 2) | 19 |
| CSFM 070 | Confined Space - Awareness | 0.5 |
| CSFM 071 | Rapid Intervention Crew Operations | 0.5 |
| CSFM 075 | Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness Level | 0.5 |
| CSFM 076 | Low Angle Rescue Operational | 0.5 |
| CSFM 077A | Fire Investigation 1A: Fire Origin & Cause Determination | 2.5 |
| CSFM 077B | Fire Investigation 1B: Techniques of Fire Investigation | 2.5 |
| CSFM 079B | Basic ICS for Initial Response | 1 |
| CSFM 079C | I-300: Intermediate ICS | 1.5 |
| CSFM 079D | I-400: Advanced ICS | 1 |
| CSFM 082A | Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A: Emergency Vehicle Ops | 1.5 |
| CSFM 082B | Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1B: Pumping Apparatus Ops | 1.5 |
| CSFM 083A | Company Officer 2A: Human Resource Management | 2 |
| CSFM 083B | Company Officer 2B: General Administration Functions | 1 |
| CSFM 083C | Company Officer 2C: Fire Inspections and Investigations | 2 |
| CSFM 083D | Company Officer 2D: All Risk Command Operations | 2 |
| CSFM 083E | Company Officer 2E: Wildland Incident Operations | 2 |
| CSFM 084A | Instructor 1: Instructor Methodology | 2 |
| CSFM 085A | Fire Inspector 1A: Duties and Administration | 1 |
| CSFM 085B | Fire Inspector 1B: Fire and Life Safety | 1 |
| CSFM 085C | Fire Inspector 1C: Field Inspection | 1 |
| CSFM 085D | Fire Inspector 1D: Field Inspection- California Specific | 1 |
| BIT 026 | Building II & Fire Codes | 3 |
| EMR 080 | Emergency Medical Responder | 3 |
| EMT 084 | Emergency Medical Technician I | 9 |
| Required Subtotal | 18 | |
| Elective Subtotal | 22 | |
| COD General Education Pattern | 18 | |
| Kinesiology Activities | 2 | |
| DEGREE TOTAL | 60 | |
