Fire Science Technology
89 courses · Palo Verde College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
FST 080 First Responder Skills
- Units
- 0.25-24
- Hours
- 10-698, 0.27-18.66, 0.27-20.11
This course is designed to assure a basic and predictable level of safety, knowledge, skills and abilities among those individuals destined for assignment to a federal, state, local, volunteer, or industrial fire department and members of Federal Urban Search and Rescue Teams.
FST 081 Ethical Leadership For Instructors
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 8 hours total, 8 hours lecture weekly
This 8 hour course provides the knowledge and skills needed to identify the value of ethical behavior in instructional settings, describe how ethical norms influence individual ethics, identify a personal ethical perspective and core values and how they impact communication and ethical decision making, and make an ethical decision using an ethical decision-making model, in order to assist in making ethical decisions when faced with an ethical dilemma in an instructional setting and carry out the roles and responsibilities of a Local, State and Federal Fire Training instructor in an ethical manner.
FST 082 Structural Collapse Specialist 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 13 hours lecture weekly, 27 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 277 or FST 177
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the operations level structural collapse specialist to rescue victims from a collapsed light frame and unreinforced masonry building construction type structure: including size up, incident action plans, search, cribbing systems, lifting and moving heavy loads, stabilization, breaching, and rescue.
FST 083 Structural Collapse Specialist 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 9 hours lecture weekly, 31 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 082
This course provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for advanced operations level structural collapse specialist to rescue victims from a collapsed heavy construction type structure; including size-up, incident action plans, search, cribbing systems, lifting and moving heavy loads, stabilization, breaching and rescue.
FST 084 Lithium Ion Battery Operations
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 5-8, 5 hours lecture weekly, 0-3
This repeatable course explains what lithium-ion batteries are, how they are constructed, where they are used, safety concerns, how they can cause fires and explosions and updates the student with the newest ever changing technology. Students will learn how to identify situations in which batteries may be involved and the current strategies and tactics for responding to battery incidents. This class will be offered for a minimum of 5 lecture hours with the option of an additional 0-3 hours of lab.
FST 086 Explorer Academy
- Units
- 0.25-12
- Hours
- 10-432, 0.27-6, 0.27-18
- Prerequisite
- Students must have parental/guardian consent per sponsoring agency policy.
This course is designed to provide the Fire Science Scout with an overview of basic fire science technology. The course will focus on fire department organization, rules and regulations, emergency medical services, hose evolutions, ladder evolutions, breathing apparatus, auto extrication, and truck company operations and tools. Students must have parental/guardian consent per sponsoring agency policy.
FST 090 Pre-Service Academy
- Units
- 0.25-12
- Hours
- 10-432, 0.27-6, 0.27-18
- Prerequisite
- Students must have parental/guardian consent per sponsoring agency policy.
This course is designed to provide the Fire Science Cadets with an overview of basic fire science technology. The course will focus on fire department organization, rules and regulations, emergency medical services, hose evolutions, ladder evolutions, breathing apparatus, auto extrication, and truck company operations and tools. Students must have parental/guardian consent per sponsoring agency policy.
FST 095 Command and Control: Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF)
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 8 hours total, 8 hours lecture weekly
This 8-hour course provides students with the knowledge and skill set to respond to and command an incident involving all types of aircrafts. Individuals will be able to communicate effectively and give information and direction to resources both incoming and those at the scene.
FST 099 Big Rig Technician
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 8 hours lecture weekly, 16 hours lab weekly
This course meets/exceeds requirements listed in National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, 1006 (2017 ed.) for vehicle rescue-technician level. This 24 hour program will provide classroom and practical training to a standardized approach to commercial vehicle accidents with a primary focus separating the commercial vehicle from the passenger vehicles.
FST 100 American Red Cross
- Units
- 2.5
- Hours
- 51 hours total, 2.5 hours lecture weekly, 0.33 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to an emergency medical event as an emergency medical responder (EMR), and to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until more advanced medical personnel take over. This course content and activities will prepare you to make appropriate decisions about the proper medical care to provide victims in a medical emergency. The course teaches the skills an EMR needs in order to act as a crucial link in the emergency medical services (EMS) system.
FST 102 Introduction to Fire Science
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 hours total, 3 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will prepare students for an entry level career in the fire science field by providing them with the knowledge of the subject matter necessary for a fire service career. It will enable the student to decide which career path in fire protection or prevention, both public and private, is most suitable for them.
FST 106 Auto Extrication
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with 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 roofs, pulling steering wheels, moving foot pedals, raising dashboards, pulling seats, stabilization of vehicles, and simulated rescues of trapped victims.
FST 107 Driver/Operator: Aerial/Truck Operations
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly, 1.33 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 115
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for the driver/operator responsible for operating fire apparatus equipped with an aerial device. Topics include inspecting, maintaining, and testing of aerial devices. Practical application requires driving an aerial apparatus including tiller operations, positioning and stabilizing the apparatus, and operating the aerial device.
FST 110 River and Flood Water Rescue Operations
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to prepare a firefighter to safely operate in dynamic water during water rescue emergencies. The topics covered are; personal protective equipment for the rescuer, reading the water and understanding the movement of dynamic water, self-rescue skills, communication methods, basic victim rescue skills. This class is delivered in the classroom and at a suitable river or stream location.
FST 111 River and Flood Rescue Technician
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 10 hours lecture weekly, 30 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 110 FST 175 FST 159
- Transfers to
- CSU
This, the second of two water rescue courses, expands on swift water and flood rescue techniques and introduces students to new equipment and technical innovations. It will familiarize participants with the dynamic water environment and experience and prepare them to safely execute simple to complex rescue techniques. Students will receive the classroom and hand-on instruction and will practice advanced rescue techniques with 10 hours at the river site.
FST 112 Personal Water Craft Rescue
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.33 hours lecture weekly, 0.55 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 110
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the skills needed to operate a personal watercraft (PWC) and perform rescue in river and flood situations. Safety, course philosophy, and PWC terminology are covered. "In water" experiences for students include how to read dynamics flow for safety travel, perform self- rescue and victim-rescue operations, along with executing pre/post-inspections of the PWC.
FST 113 Rescue Boat Operations
- Units
- 0.75
- Hours
- 32 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 1.33 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- Prior to enrolling in this course, students must demonstrate: Basic swimming ability Skill in performing vertical rescue Skill in water crossing techniques Proficiency in rescue simulations
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the knowledge and skills to prepare an emergency responder to conduct rescue operations using a motorized watercraft in a safe and effective manner in accordance with AHJ policies and procedures. Topics include PPE; hydrology; incident management; self-rescue and survival swimming skills; communication; navigation; assembling and configuring watercraft; maintenance; trailering; hazard mitigation; launching, docking, operating, anchoring, and recovering watercraft; victim search and rescue; crew overboard events; and towing. This course incorporates awareness, operations, and technician training based on NFPA 1006 (2021). This course may be offered as Pass/No Pass.
FST 115 Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A: Emergency Vehicle Operations
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 1.33 hours lecture weekly, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
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. Note: Enrollment in this course requires fire apparatus driving experience on a public way. Option 1: Signed verification from the Fire Chief (form is on the SFT website); or Option 2: California Class B driver's license, fire fighter restricted; or Option 3: California Class A, B, or C driver's license, fire fighter endorsed
FST 116 Fire Apparatus Driver/ Operator 1B Pump Operations
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 1.33 hours lecture weekly, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- CA DL, Class A, B or C, with a fire fighter endorsement,
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
FST 119 Fire Control 6 Wildland Firefighting Essentials
- Units
- 0.75
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- Must be employed as a first responder or have instructor approval.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides information, methods, and techniques for the utilization of the California Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid Plan, Incident Command System, wildland firefighting strategy and tactics, structure triage, terminology, survival skills and operating safely in a wildland fire-fighting incident. Must be employed as a first responder or have instructor approval.
FST 120 Firefighter Survival
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course was developed in the continuing effort to reduce the number of firefighter 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.
FST 121 First Receiver Operations and Decontamination for Healthcare
- Units
- 0.75-1.25
- Hours
- 16-24, 0.89-1.33
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the first receiver operations requirements for hospital personnel who receive patients at a medical facility and respond in a defensive fashion. This course will cover both internal and external incidents. Hospitals may receive patients from hazardous materials and CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and high- yield Explosive) events that have not been decontaminated because they left the scene prior to the arrival of emergency responders. This course will cover both directed self-decontamination as well as hospital decontamination teams.
FST 123 Fire Control 3B: Structural Firefighting in Live-Fire Simulators
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- Must be employed as a first responder or obtain instructor approval.
- Transfers to
- CSU
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 firefighting. Must be employed as a first responder or obtain instructor approval.
FST 124 Fire Control 3A: Structural Firefighting in Acquired Structures
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
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. In many cases, this will be the fire fighter's first exposure to live structural fire fighting. The structures used in class are generally donated buildings with a written agreement between the owner and the authority having jurisdiction specifying the live fire training that will be conducted and acknowledges the expected condition of the structure upon completion of the training.
FST 125 Surface Rescue Boat Technician
- Units
- 0.25-0.75
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.22-0.44, 0.66-1.33
- Transfers to
- CSU
To prepare firefighters to safely operate an Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) or Flat Bottomed Rescue Boat in tidal and lake environments. Topics covered: Launch and Recovery, Self-Rescue, Boat Handling, Victim-Recovery, Basic Maritime Navigation, and Basic Communication.
FST 126 River and Flood Motorized Rescue Boat Technician
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
To prepare a firefighter to safely operate a boat in dynamic water that contains Class III rapids with a current of greater than 2 knots. The topics covered will be: Loading and Launching Boats, Advanced Operations of a Motorized Boat in Dynamic Water, Reading the Water, Advanced Victim-Rescue, Rescuer Deployment and Recovery.
FST 141 Open Water Rescue Boat Operator
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 1.77 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 113
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the basic skills needed to operate a large vessel rescue boat, 18'
FST 148 S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 8 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction in the primary factors affecting the start and spread of wildfire and recognition of potentially hazardous situations. S-190 is typically taught in conjunction with or prior to Basic Fire Fighter Training, S-130. It is designed to meet the fire behavior training needs of a Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) on an incident as outlined in the PMS 310-1, Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide and the position task book developed for the position.
FST 150 Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Level
- Units
- 0.75-1
- Hours
- 16-24, 0.88 hours lecture weekly, 0-0.44
- Transfers to
- CSU
Defensive tactics to contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures without trying to stop the release. Meets and exceeds the requirements of CFR 29 1910.120 and CCR Title 8.
FST 151 Hazardous Materials First Responder Awareness Level
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 8 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course prepares the student to react to a hazardous material emergency. It is a federal and state required class for employees (maintenance workers, groundskeepers, warehouse persons and the like) who work in an industry where hazardous materials are utilized. This course is intended to be a minimal response effort to this type of emergency (identify the material, isolate the area, deny entry and notify response agencies).
FST 152 Haz Mat Technician 1A: Basic Chemistry
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This class provides the student with a fundamental understanding of inorganic and organic chemistry as it applies to hazardous materials. This course will cover the introduction to the periodic table, ionic and covalent compounds including salts and non-salt compounds, hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon derivatives. A review of the DOT classes of hazardous materials will also be covered.
FST 153 Haz Mat Technician 1B: Applied Chemistry
- Units
- 1.75
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 1.77 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- FST 152
- Transfers to
- CSU
Applies a basic understanding of inorganic and organic chemistry to the field identification and management of hazardous materials. The Hazardous Material Technician will learn procedures for taking samples in the field and applying analytical methods to identify and characterize unknown hazardous materials. Students will learn analytical methods to identify flammables, corrosives, oxidizers, peroxides, reactives, and radioactives.
FST 154 Haz Mat Technician 1C: Incident Considerations
- Units
- 1.75
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 1.77 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- FST 152, FST 153
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides the student with the fundamentals of safety as applied to a hazardous materials emergency incident. This class covers federal and state laws dealing with hazardous materials. The students will learn resources which may be used in gathering information for determining levels of personal protection. They will learn to use monitoring equipment.
FST 155 Haz Mat Technician 1D: Tactical Field Operations
- Units
- 1.75
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 1.77 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- FST 152, FST 153, FST 154
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides the student with the fundamentals of hazard and risk management as applied to hazardous materials emergencies. The Department of Transportation Guide Book on various chemicals will be utilized. Description of fixed facilities (Industrial Plants) and various transportation systems that use hazardous materials in business ventures will be discussed. This includes airports, pipelines, maritime, motor vehicles and rail car.
FST 156 Trench Rescue Technician
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 173 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
FST 157 Haz Mat Specialist 1F: Specialized Mitigation Techniques
- Units
- 1.75
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 1.77 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- FST 152, FST 153, FST 154, FST 155
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides the student with the fundamental skills required to operate the necessary tools and equipment for mitigating hazardous materials incidents. A manipulative skill session with hands-on training utilizing the various tools and equipment in accomplishing the methods of controlling spills and leaks of hazardous materials.
FST 158 Haz Mat Specialist 1G: Tactical Field Operations
- Units
- 1.75
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 1.77 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Advisory
- FST 152, FST 153, FST 154, FST 155, FST 157
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides the student with the fundamental skills required to fulfill all positions in the Incident Command System (ICS) during a hazardous materials incident and to operate the necessary tools and equipment for mitigating hazardous materials incidents.
FST 159 I-200 Basic Incident Command System (ICS)
- Units
- 0.5-0.75
- Hours
- 12-16, 0.66-0.88
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course introduces students to the principles of the Incident Command System (ICS) associated with incident-related performance. Topics include leadership and management, delegation of authority and management by objectives, functional areas and positions, briefings, organizational flexibility, transitions and transfers.
FST 161 Hazmat Incident Command System
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 hours total, 1 hour lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will enable Haz-Mat response and support personnel to understand and implement the Incident Command System (ICS) on hazardous materials incidents. This course will focus and train students in hazardous materials ICS specifically and identifies Haz-Mat ICS positions in detail. The requirements for use and position specific matter will be presented. This course is suitable for engine/truck/EMS company members, Haz-Mat team members and command personnel both from the public and private sectors.
FST 162 I-300: Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS)
- Units
- 1-1.25
- Hours
- 18-24, 1-1.33
- Prerequisite
- FST 159
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides description and detail of the Incident Command System (ICS) organization and operations in supervisory roles on expanding or Type 3 incidents. Topics include: ICS fundamentals review, incident/event assessment and agency guidance in establishing incident objectives, Unified Command, incident resource management, planning process, demobilization, transfer of command, and close out.
FST 163 I-400: Advanced Incident Command System (ICS)
- Units
- 0.75
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 162
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course directs the student towards an operational understanding of large single-agency and complex multi-agency/multi-jurisdictional incident responses. Topics include fundamentals review for command and general staff, major and/or complex incident/event management, area command, and multi-agency coordination.
FST 165 Confined Space Rescue Technician
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 0.55 hours lecture weekly, 1.66 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 166
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an intensive hands on training program that will prepare you to respond to confined space emergencies. This course of instruction prepares the student in identifying confined spaces and permit-required confined spaces, the hazards associated with permit-required confined spaces, target industries and hazards, state and federal regulations, components of a rescue operation, and the roles and responsibilities of the rescue team.
FST 166 Confined Space Rescue Awareness
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 7 hours total, 0.38 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides instruction in identifying a permit and non-permit 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.
FST 167 Confined Space Refresher
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 8 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides updated information and changes in identifying a permit and non-permit required confined space, the hazards associated with confined spaces, target industries and hazards, state and federal regulations, communications, and equipment requirements. This course includes updated information and skills refresher that will prepare the student to respond to confined space emergencies and the components of a rescue operation, and the roles and responsibilities of the rescue team.
FST 173 Rescue Systems 1: Basic Rescue Skills
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
Key topics include: Team organization, rescue, and environmental considerations, use of ropes, knots rigging and pulley systems, descending, rappelling, and belaying tools and techniques, subsurface rescue techniques, use of cribbing, wedges, cutting/ prying and hydraulic tools, use of fire service ladders in specialized rescue situations, and day and night simulated rescue exercises.
FST 174 Rescue Systems 2: Advanced Rescue Skills
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 173
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides advanced heavy rescue system techniques. Key topics include: Structural building types, wood and mechanical shores, crib capacities, floor weight calculations, building search, confined space considerations, damaged structure hazard assessment, use of small power tools, air bags, and USAR ICS.
FST 175 Low Angle Rope Rescue Operational
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 0.33 hours lecture weekly, 1 hour lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
Designed to equip the student with the techniques and methods for using rope, webbing, hardware friction devices, litters in low angle rescue situations. Areas covered include: Rope and related equipment, anch or systems, safety lines, stretcher lashing and rigging, mechanical advantage systems and single line and two line rescue systems.
FST 183 Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 hours total, 1 hour lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course treats the topic of weapons of mass destruction from several perspectives so that students come away with a thorough understanding of the weapons available to terrorists, the actual historical development and uses of such weapons and the current threat potential. The course will also cover pre-incident indicators and first responder concerns.
FST 219 Rescue Systems 3: Structural Collapse Technician
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 174, FST 150, FST 165, FST 156 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
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.
FST 221 S404 Safety Officer
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 28 hours total, 28 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Safety Officer 28 hour class was designed to help employers train employees to the Safety Officer level as described in the wildland fire qualifications guide. This course prepares the employee to recognize and respond to incidents within their jurisdiction.
FST 222 Hazardous Materials Technician for Industry
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Hazardous Materials Technician, Industry 40 hour class was designed to help employers train employees to the Hazardous Materials Technician level as described in the Cal-OSHA found in Title 8 CCR 5192(q)(6)(C). This course prepares the employee to recognize and respond to hazardous materials incidents within their facility.
FST 223 Hazardous Materials Incident Commander
- Units
- 0.75
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 150
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course utilizes the Incident Command System to assume control of an emergency response to a Haz-Mat or WMD incident. It focuses on legal and practical requirements to safely and competently manage a hazmat incident. Instructional methods include class activities, case studies, and tabletop exercises with emphasis on hands-on decision making.
FST 224 Instructor 1: Instructional Methodology
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry level professional instructor to perform his or her duties safely, effectively, and competently. The curriculum is based on the 2012 edition of NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications. At the end of this course, candidates for Instructor I certification will be able to teach and deliver instruction from a prepared lesson plan utilizing instructional aids and evaluation instruments. The Instructor I will also be able to adapt a lesson plan and complete the reporting requirements to the local jurisdiction.
FST 226 Instructor II: Instructional Development
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the intermediate level professional instructor to perform his or her duties safely, effectively, and competently. The curriculum is based on the 2012 edition of NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications and the 2012 edition of NFPA 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions. At the end of this course, candidates for Instructor II certification will be able to develop lesson plans and evaluation instruments, teach and deliver instruction, and evaluate and coach other instructors. The Instructor II will also be able to analyze resources and formulate a program budget.
FST 229 CERT - Community Emergency Response Team
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- 18-25.5, 0.55-0.97, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an array of community emergency response techniques. It is designed for those who wish to serve in a volunteer setting in support of public response agencies. The training covers an array of emergency response strategies, tactics and methods for operations before, during and after disasters. Students will have the opportunity during the course to use your skills and knowledge of CERT organization and operations in a simulated disaster exercise.
FST 240 Fire Prevention 1: Fire and Life Safety Inspections For Company Officer
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 32 hours total, 1.5 hours lecture weekly, 0.27 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
Upon completion of this course, the student will have a basic knowledge of the Company Officer certification track and Capstone Task Book process. The student will also be equipped with knowledge and skills related to the Company Officer's role in fire prevention, the relationship between life safety and building construction, the elements of a quality company inspection program, and how to address complex hazards encountered during an inspection.
FST 241 Fire Investigation 1A: Fire Origin and Cause Determination
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the participants with an introduction and basic overview of fire scene investigation. The focus of the course is to provide information on fire scene indicators and to determine the fire's origin.
FST 242 Fire Investigation 1B: Techniques of Fire Investigation
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 241
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides a deeper understanding of fire investigation and builds on FST 241. Topics include the juvenile fire setter, report writing, evidence preservation and collection, interview techniques, motives, and fire fatalities.
FST 243 Fire Investigation 2A: Criminal and Legal Procedures
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 241
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides information on conducting an explosive investigation and a surveillance operation, preparing a search warrant, testifying as an expert witness, assembling a curriculum vitae, and properly documenting a criminally caused fire. In addition, each student will be assigned to an investigative team to conduct an investigation of their own criminally caused fire. During this practical exercise, each team will be required to conduct the scene investigation, properly collect and document supportive evidence, prepare their written case report, and present their finding to a district attorney and a judge to review.
FST 245 Company Officer 2A: Human Resource Management
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides information on the use of human resources to accomplish assignments, evaluating member performance, supervising personnel, and integrating health and safety plans, policies, and procedures into daily activities as well as the emergency scene.
FST 246 Company Officer 2B: General Administrative Functions
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 20 hours total, 1.11 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides information on general administrative functions and the implementation of department policies and procedures and addresses conveying the fire department's role, image, and mission to the public.
FST 247 Company Officer 2C: Fire Inspections and Investigations
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides information on conducting inspections, identifying hazards and addressing violations, performing a fire investigation to determine preliminary cause and securing the incident scene and preserving evidence.
FST 248 Company Officer 2D: All- Risk Command Operations
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides information on conducting incident size-up, developing and implementing an initial plan of action involving single and multi-unit operations for various types of emergency incidents to mitigate the situation following agency safety procedures, conducting pre-incident planning, and develop and conduct a post-incident analysis.
FST 249 Company Officer 2E: Wildland Incident Operations
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 2.22 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224, FST 272 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides information on evaluating and reporting incident conditions, analyzing incident needs, developing and implementing a plan of action to deploy incident resources completing all operations to suppress a wildland fire, establishing an incident command post, creating an incident action plan, and completing incident records and reports.
FST 250 HAZ MAT-Technician/ Specialist Refresher I
- Units
- 0.25-0.75
- Hours
- 8-16, 0.44-0.88
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations Refresher course is a CSTI certified course which is designed to provide yearly review of training for Hazardous Materials operations and to maintain competencies (per requirements in California Code of Regulations Title 8, Chapter 4, Section 5192). This course includes classroom training in the various functions of hazardous materials response.
FST 251 Hazardous Material Technician Specialist Refresher II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 27 hours total, 0.94 hours lecture weekly, 0.55 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 151, FST 250
- Transfers to
- CSU
The Hazardous Materials Technician/Specialist Refresher II course is a CSTI certified course which is designed to provide sufficient training for Hazardous Material Technicians/Specialists to maintain their competencies (per requirements in California Code of Regulations Title 8, Chapter 4, Section 5192). This course includes hands-on and classroom training in the various functions of hazardous materials response.
FST 252 Chief Fire Officer 3A: Human Resource Management
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 26 hours total, 1.44 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224, FST 245, FST 246, FST 247, FST 248, FST 249 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the human resources requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer including developing plans for providing employee accommodation, developing hiring procedures, establishing personnel assignments, describing methods of facilitating and encouraging professional development, developing an ongoing education training program, developing promotion procedures, developing proposals for improving employee benefits, and developing a measurable accident and injury prevention program.
FST 253 Chief Officer 3B: Budget and Fiscal Responsibilities
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 18 hours total, 1 hour lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224, FST 245, FST 246, FST 247, FST 248, FST 249 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the budgeting requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer including developing a budget management system, developing a division or departmental budget, and describing the process for ensuring competitive bidding.
FST 254 Chief Fire Officer 3C: General Administration Functions
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 1.33 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- Meet the educational requirements of a California State Certified Company Officer or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction AND Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the administration requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer including directing a department record management system, analyzing and interpreting records and data, developing a model plan for continuous organizational improvement, developing a plan to facilitate approval, preparing community awareness programs, and evaluating the inspection program of the AHJ.
FST 256 Chief Fire Officer 3D: Emergency Service Delivery Responsibilities
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 1.33 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224, FST 245, FST 246, FST 247, FST 248 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the emergency service requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Chief Fire Officer including developing a plan for the integration of fire services resources, developing an agency resource contingency plan, evaluating incident facilities, supervising multiple resources, developing and utilizing an incident action plan, obtaining incident information to facilitate transfer of command, developing and conducting a post-incident analysis, and maintaining incident records.
FST 257 Fire Inspector 1A: Duties and Administration
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 1.33 hours lecture weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a Fire Inspector I including legal responsibilities and authority, codes and standards, the inspection process, confidentiality and privacy requirements, and ethical conduct, and administrative tasks including preparing inspection reports, recognizing the need for a permit or plan review, investigating common complaints, and participating in legal proceedings.
FST 258 Fire Inspector 1B: Fire and Life Safety
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 1.33 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 257
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of fire and life safety aspects related to the roles and responsibilities of a Fire Inspector I including building construction, occupancy classifications, occupancy load, means of egress, hazardous conditions, fire growth potential, fire flow, and emergency planning and preparedness measures.
FST 259 Fire Inspector 1C: Field Inspection
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 1.33 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 258
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of field inspection roles and responsibilities of a Fire Inspector I including basic plan review, emergency access for an existing system, hazardous materials, and the operational readiness of fixed fire suppression systems, existing fire detection and alarm systems, and portable fire extinguishers.
FST 260 Fire Inspector 1D: Field Inspection-California Specific
- Units
- 0.75
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 259
- Transfers to
- CSU
Fire Inspector 1C: Field Inspection. This course provides students with a basic knowledge of a Fire Fighter I's field inspection roles and responsibilities specific to California including tents, canopies, and temporary membrane structures; fireworks and explosives; and wildland urban interface environments.
FST 261 Fire Inspector 2A: Fire Prevention Administration
- Units
- 0.75
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 257, FST 258, FST 259, FST 260
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of the administrative requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Fire Inspector II including processing permit and plan review applications, enforcing permit regulations, investigating complex complaints, recommending modifications to codes and standards, recommending policies and procedures for inspection services, generating written appeals correspondence, initiating legal action, evaluating inspection reports, and proposing technical reference material acquisition.
FST 262 Fire Inspector 2B: Fire and Life Safety Requirements
- Units
- 1.25
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 1.33 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 261
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of fire and life safety requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Fire Inspector II including occupancy classification, egress elements, emergency plans and procedures, occupant loads, building construction and fire growth potential.
FST 263 Fire Inspector 2C:Inspect New & Exist Fire & Life Safety Sys & Equip
- Units
- 0.75
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 261
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of inspection requirements related to the roles and responsibilities of a Fire Inspector II including inspection of life safety systems and building services equipment, fire protection systems, and emergency access criteria.
FST 264 Fire Inspector 2D: Hazardous Materials, Operations, and Processess
- Units
- 1.75
- Hours
- 32 hours total, 1.77 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 261
- Transfers to
- CSU
Prerequisite: FST 261 Inspector 2A: Fire Prevention Administration. This course provides students with a basic knowledge of hazardous materials, operations, and processes related to the roles and responsibilities of a Fire Inspector II including hazardous conditions, flammable and combustible liquids and gases, and hazardous materials.
FST 266 Haz Mat Emergency Response: First Responder Operations-Decontamination
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 8 hours total, 0.16 hours lecture weekly, 0.27 hours lab weekly
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course covers the hazardous material/WMD first receiver operations requirements for personnel involved in decontamination operations.
FST 268 HazMat/Weapons of Mass Destruction: Assist Safety Officer
- Units
- 0.75
- Hours
- 16 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 152, FST 153, FST 154, FST 155, FST 157, FST 158
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is directed to the hazardous materials technician and specialist levels. This course will focus on incident action plans, site safety plans, and incident reports to prepare students to serve in the role of the Assistant Safety Officer.
FST 269 Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Technician- Private Industry
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 0.88 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 150
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course prepares the student to react to a hazardous material emergency. It is a federal and state required class for employees (maintenance workers, groundskeepers, warehouse persons and the like) who work in an industry where hazardous materials are utilized. This course is intended to provide advanced training to persons in private industry.
FST 272 S-290: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
- Units
- 1.75
- Hours
- 32 hours total, 1.77 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 148 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This is a classroom-based skills course designed to prepare the prospective fireline supervisor to undertake safe and effective fire management operations. It is the second course in a series that collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills. Fire environment differences are discussed as necessary; instructor should stress local conditions.
FST 273 Fire Instructor III: Instructional Program Management
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 224, FST 226 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides information on planning, developing, and implementing comprehensive programs and curricula. Topics include instructional development, program management, program and instructor evaluation, and test reliability and validity. Curriculum is based on the 2012 edition of NFPA 1041 Standard For Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications.
FST 274 Fire Control 5A; Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Initial Training
- Units
- 1.75
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 1.77 hours lecture weekly, 0.44 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 080 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to develop fundamental skills in combating aircraft fires by providing the students with a thorough understanding of Airport Familiarization; Aircraft Familiarization; Rescue and Firefighting Personnel Safety; Emergency Communications on the Airport; Use of Fire Hose, Nozzles, Turrets, and Other Appliances; Application of Extinguishing Agents; Emergency Aircraft Evacuation Assistance; Firefighting Operations; Adapting and Using Structural Rescue and Firefighting Equipment for Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting; Aircraft Cargo Hazards; Dangerous Goods; Familiarization with Firefighters' Duties under the Airport Emergency Plan; Interior and Exterior Fire Attack Using a Live-Fire Simulator.
FST 275 Fire Control 5B; Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Live Fire Drill
- Units
- 0.25
- Hours
- 8 hours total, 0.16 hours lecture weekly, 0.27 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 080 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to develop fundamental skills in combating aircraft fires by providing the students with a recurrent training in live-fire with an aircraft mock-up using enough fuel to provide a fire that simulates a realistic condition. The course shall provide an opportunity for the firefighting team to be familiarize with the use of all fire extinguishing equipment, enhance their confidence and abilities with the equipment they will use in an actual accident/incident, and develop tactics, strategies, and procedures. If possible, a simulated rescue of aircraft occupants will help create a realistic simulation.
FST 276 Open Water Rescuer-Basic
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 0.88 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 080 or FST 102 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides the information and skills training required to enable a firefighter to safely and proficiently perform contact rescues in static, dynamic and surf water conditions.
FST 277 Rope Rescue Technician/ High Angle Rescue
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 40 hours total, 0.44 hours lecture weekly, 1.78 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- FST 080 or FST 102 or equivalent as approved by the Vice President of Instruction and Student Services.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed to prepare participants to undergo competency testing for high-angle rescue. Additionally, the scope of the program is designed to familiarize participants with the high-angle environment and experience and to enable them to safely participate in the engineering and operation of simple and complex rescue systems.
FST 279 Fire Service Promotional Preparation
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 24 hours total, 8 hours lecture weekly, 16 hours lab weekly
- Prerequisite
- Must be employed as a first responder or obtain instructor approval.
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides fire personnel with essential knowledge, leadership skills and abilities required to successfully promote through the fire service ranks. This course will improve an individual's level of comfort and confidence for proficiently and safely performing their duties during a promotional testing process. This course will provide students with a sound managerial foundation for all levels of supervision in the fire service.
FST 290 Selected Studies in Fire Science Technology
- Units
- 0.25-6
- Hours
- 18-288, 0.25-4, 0.75-12
- Transfers to
- CSU
Group investigation of a special problem in the area of fire science technology. As appropriate, the specific subject will be announced in the Schedule of Courses.