Fire Academy
33 courses · Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
FAC 007 Strength and Conditioning for the Fire Service
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 8 Lecture, 96 Lab
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in: FAC 050 and FAC 060A
Strength and conditioning course for students preparing for a career in the Fire Service. Emphasis will be placed on metabolic conditioning and strength development to meet the demand of fireground activities, attaining fireground movement competency and to obtain a passing score on the Physical Ability Test (PAT).
FAC 008 Biddle Physical Ability Test (PAT)
- Units
- 0.1
- Hours
- 1 Lecture, 3 Lab
The Los Angeles County and Orange County Fire Chief's Physical Ability Test is designed to examine the physical ability of the individual when it comes to performing the functions or tasks of a firefighter.
FAC 017 Physical Ability Instructor Course
- Units
- 0.2
- Hours
- 3 Lecture, 2 Lab
- Advisory
- Fire Technology, Kinesiology, or Exercise Science-related courses. Recommended to have familiarity with the essential job tasks in the fire service and with physical ability testing for entry-level firefighters.
Designed to train instructors to administer the validated firefighter Biddle Physical Ability Test (BPAT). This course will evaluate each instructor's ability to reliably and accurately administer and score the Biddle PAT.
FAC 018A Firefighter I Physical Ability Practice (Exam)
- Units
- 0.1
- Hours
- 1 Lecture, 3 Lab
The Los Angeles County and Orange County Fire Chief's Physical Ability Test is designed to assess the physical ability of the individual related to performing the functions or tasks of a firefighter. This Practice Test course provides training and practice using test-specific equipment in a simulated testing environment. This course is designed for individuals who have never taken an official Biddle Physical Ability Test, as well as for those who are actively seeking employment in the fire service and desire practice and preparation before taking an official test. Students may not use this course to obtain eligibility for a Basic Fire Academy. A Biddle Certificate will not be issued, even if a student achieves a passing time.
FAC 018B Beginning Fire Physical Ability Training
- Units
- 0.1-0.5
- Hours
- 5-32 Lab
Students will be introduced to the events of the "Biddle" Fire Fighter Physical Ability Test (Fire Academy 008). This is a supplemental learning assistance course designed to prepare the student for participation and successful completion of FAC 008. Students will perform physical exercise using fire hose, ladders, stairs, TRX, kettlebells and other equipment. Students will learn proper body mechanics; correct lifting techniques and appropriate physical conditioning principles.
FAC 018C Intermediate Fire Physical Ability Training
- Units
- 0.1-0.5
- Hours
- 5-32 Lab
Students will practice the individual events of the "Biddle" Fire Fighter Physical Ability Test (Fire Academy 008). This is a supplemental learning assistance course designed to prepare the student for participation and successful completion of FAC 008.Students will perform physical exercise using fire hose, ladders, stairs, TRX, kettlebells and other equipment. Students will learn proper body mechanics; correct lifting techniques and appropriate physical conditioning principles.
FAC 018D Advanced Fire Physical Ability Training
- Units
- 0.1-0.5
- Hours
- 5-32 Lab
Students will practice and conditon for successful completion of the "Biddle" Fire Fighter Physical Ability Test (Fire Academy 008). This is a supplemental learning assistance course designed to prepare the student for participation and successful completion of FAC 008. Students will perform physical exercise using fire hose, ladders, stairs, TRX, kettlebells and other equipment. Students will learn proper body mechanics; correct lifting techniques and appropriate physical conditioning principles.
FAC 028 Physical Training for Fireground Operations
- Units
- 0.2-2
- Hours
- 0-8 Lecture, 12-96 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion of an approved Fire Academy or signed statement by the agency's Fire Chief or designee stating the sponsored student is eligible to complete the training requirements for FFI.
Physical training course will provide an intense hands-on approach to fireground movement and energy system specificity. Focus will be on skill competency, an understanding of performance enhancement, and injury prevention practices. Students will gain knowledge of proper training practices through lecture and participation in physical training designed to overload, progress, and decrease reversibility in an effective and safe manner.
FAC 029 Public Safety Wellness and Fitness-Operation and Safety Training
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 8 Lecture, 95 Lab
Occupation-specific wellness and fitness principles to prepare those who respond to emergencies, accidents, local and national disasters, and terrorist attacks. Physical fitness concepts and activities prepare the student for any threat, whether physical, environmental, or psychological. Individualized fitness assessment, health and fitness profile, and exercise prescription will be provided.
FAC 031 Fire Specialist Academy, Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue Technician
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 6.25 Lecture, 17.75 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 (FEMA Online) and Public Safety First Aid and CPR (CA Health and Safety Code 1979.182) and Full structural personal protective equipment (including eye and hand protection)
- Corequisite
- Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: Firefighter I training (certification not required)
This course provides the knowledge and skills to prepare an emergency responder to extricate victim(s) from a common passenger vehicle in a safe and effective manner in accordance with AHJ policies and procedures. Topics include sizing up an incident; creating an incident action plan; establishing safety zones; mitigating hazards; stabilizing and creating access and egress openings for rescue from a vehicle resting on its wheels, side, and roof or in a multi-hazard configuration or environment; disentangling and removing victims; and terminating an incident. This course incorporates awareness, operations, and technician training based on NFPA 1006 (2021).
FAC 035 Confined Space Rescue Technician
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 10.25 Lecture, 29.75 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Confined Space Rescue Awareness.
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 for 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. Additional materials fee may be required for State course completion certificate. This course is limited to 36 students.
FAC 041A Wildland Reserve Firefighter Academy
- Units
- 8
- Hours
- 144 Lecture, 22 Lab
Provides a basic level of knowledge, skills, and ability among those individuals destined for assignment to a wildland fire crew. Meets fire service requirements for safety. Additional materials fees may apply. Not offered every semester.
FAC 050 Fire Suppression Training Academy
- Units
- 20
- Hours
- 266 Lecture, 294 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: Concurrent enrollment in FAC 007. Medical exam in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1582 and FAC 008.
Basic level of knowledge, skills, and ability among those individuals destined for assignment to a wildland fire crew. Includes EMS and Hazmat First Responder. Meets departmental requirements for safety. Does not meet the requirements of Orange County Fire Chief's Association (OCFCA) or California State Firefighter I criteria. Additional materials fees may apply. Not offered every semester.
FAC 060A Basic Fire Academy- Fire Fighter 1A Structure
- Units
- 10
- Hours
- 84 Lecture, 288 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FTC 121L and FTC 101 and FTC 102 and FTC 103 and FTC 104 and FTC 105 and FTC 106 and FTC 121 and FAC 007 and FAC 008
This course provides the first level of professional training needed to obtain California Fire Fighter 1 (2019) certification. Students will learn 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. Students are required to complete all applicable certification exams. All Fire Fighter 1 (2019) cognitive exam modules will be delivered through the State Fire Training User Portal. State Fire Training will issue IFSAC and Pro Board accredited certifications to all eligible applicants for California Fire Fighter 1 (2019) certification. Material fees required. Students must rent approved turn-outs and other personal protective equipment from designated vendor. Departmental approval required for enrollment.
FAC 060B Firefighter 1B - Hazardous Materials / WMD
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 24 Lecture, 8 Lab
This course provides the awareness skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level firefighter 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 PPE; perform emergency decontamination; perform assigned tasks at a hazardous materials/WMD incident including product control techniques; and evaluate and report incident progress (2019). A California Firefighter 1 certification contains three levels of Professional Qualifications set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). FF 1B includes the second level of professional qualifications: NFPA 1072: Hazardous Material Awareness and Operations. Material fees required.
FAC 060C Firefighter 1C - Wildland Firefighter 1
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 30 Lecture, 26 Lab
- Corequisite
- Concurrent enrollment in: FAC 060A
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level firefighter to recognize hazards and unsafe situations; don, doff, and maintain wild and personal protective equipment; deploy a fire shelter; maintain suppression hand tools and equipment; assemble and prepare for response; construct and secure a fire line; reduce the threat of fire exposure to improved properties; and mop up and patrol a fire area when working with wild land fires. Firefighter 1C, Wildland Course Plan (2019) A California Firefighter 1 certification contains three levels of Professional Qualifications set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). FF1C includes the third level of professional qualifications: NFPA 1051: Wildland Firefighter 1. Material fees required. Students must rent approved turn-outs and other personal protective equipment from designated vendor. Departmental approval required for enrollment.
FAC 062 Basic Incident Command Systems
- Units
- 0.4
- Hours
- 8 Lecture
Basic principles of command, knowledge, and skills common to all positions in the Incident Command System (ICS).
FAC 062A Strike Team Leader Orientation (ICS)
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 9 Lecture
State Office of Emergency Service procedures for fire departments assigned to OES when responding to a mutual aid incident.
FAC 063 Rope Rescue Awareness/Operations
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 12.25 Lecture, 27.75 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 (FEMA Online)
- Corequisite
- Firefighter I Training (certificate not required)
Designed for all fire service and allied emergency response personnel. Key topics include: Team organization; rescue and environmental considerations; use of ropes and knots; operation of simple, complex, and compound rope rescue systems; descending, rappelling, and belaying tools and techniques, low-angle and high-angle rescue, use of fire service ladders in specialized rescue situations, and day and night simulated rescue exercises. Additional materials fees may be required. May not be offered every semester.
FAC 070 OSFM Fire Fighter I (2019) Certification
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 4 Lecture, 36 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ALTERNATE DELIVERY CANDIDATE: Prior to attending this course, students must complete all Firefighter 1 training including the hourly requirements found in the State Fire Training FF1A: Structure; FF1B HazMat FRA/FRO; and FF1C Wildland Course Plans. Students must have completed FEMA Independent study courses IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800; and Confined Space Rescue Awareness (SFT or IAFF). Prior to Day 1 of the course, students must submit to the Fire Technology Department: a letter of verification from their agency Training Officer or Fire Chief that he or she has completed all required training and pre-requisites (found on SFT website and listed above); and a completed SFT FF1 Training Record (current edition) (found on SFT website) on Day 1 of the course. UPGRADE CANDIDATE: An Upgrade Candidate is defined as a student having an SFT Certification (for the level seeking an upgrade) and is seeking to upgrade to IFSAC/Pro Board cerfitication. The candidate shall provide the Fire Academy Commander and/or the Lead Evauator, on Day 1 of the course, with an Exam Authorization provided by SFT to ARTP (SAC) as proof of exam eligibility. RECIPROCITY CANDIDATE: A Reciprocity Candidate is defined as a student having IFSAC/Pro Board certification(s) and seeks SFT certification reciprocity (generally a candidate who received their certification outside of California.) The candidate shall provide the Fire Academy Commander and/or the Lead Evauator, on Day 1 of the course, with an Exam Authorization provided by SFT to ARTP (SAC) as proof of exam eligibility. All student-candidates are expected to be prepared to take the three (Structure, HazMat, Wildland) Cognitive Exams and be proficient in all SFT FF1 Skills prior to Day 1 of the course. Students must have their SFT ID# available and have previously set-up and logged in to their SFT Acadis Portal on the SFT website.
This course provides students the opportunity to complete Cognitive and Psychomotor Skills Certification Exam testing needed to obtain California State Fire Training (SFT) Fire Fighter 1 (2019) certification. Students are required to complete with a passing score all applicable portions of the certification exams. All Fire Fighter 1 (2019) cognitive exam modules will be delivered through the State Fire Training User Portal. State Fire Training will issue IFSAC and Pro Board accredited certifications to all eligible applicants for California Fire Fighter 1 (2019) certification. SFT Certification Fee required. The course does not include any Firefighter 1 instruction. Limited time will be provided for some, not all, skills practice. May be offered concurrently with FAC060, FAC060A, FAC060B, FAC060C, or FAC070. Authorization from the Fire Technology Department is required for enrollment. Students must provide required PPE along with a letter from their home agency Training Officer on agency letterhead, validating that the PPE meets all applicable NFPA standards and is within it’s 10-year service life. Students may provide their agency SCBA and facepiece, which requires a letter from their home agency Training Officer on agency letterhead, validating that the SCBA meets all applicable NFPA and NIOSH standards. Optionally, the Santa Ana College Firefighter 1 Academy can provide a Scott X-3 Pro SCBA and appropriate facepiece.
FAC 070B OSFM Firefighter 2 Certification
- Units
- 0.2
- Hours
- 1.5 Lecture, 6.5 Lab
- Advisory
- Prior to attending this course, students must have provided: A copy of a valid SFT FF1 Certificate and a letter of verification from their agency Fire Chief that he or she has completed all required training, including the hourly requirements; and pre-requisites for Firefighter 2 (found on SFT website) A completed SFT FF2A Training Record (current edition) on Day 1 of the course. Students must provide required PPE along with, prior to Day 1 of the course and a letter from their home agency Training Officer on agency letterhead, validating that the PPE meets all applicable NFPA standards and is within its 10-year service life. Students may provide their agency SCBA and facepiece, which requires a letter from their home agency Training Officer on agency letterhead, validating that the SCBA meets all applicable NFPA and NIOSH standards. Optionally, the Santa Ana College Firefighter Academy can provide a Scott X-3 Pro SCBA and appropriate face piece.
This course provides students with the opportunity to complete the Cognitive and Psychomotor Skills Certification Exam testing needed to obtain California State Fire Training (SFT) Fire Fighter 2 (2024) certification. Students are required to complete with a passing score all applicable portions of the certification exams. All Fire Fighter 2 (2024) cognitive exam modules will be delivered through the State Fire Training User Portal. State Fire Training will issue IFSAC and Pro Board accredited certifications to all eligible applicants for California Fire Fighter 2 (2024) certification. SFT Certification Fee required. The course does not include any Firefighter 2 instruction. May be offered concurrently with FAC070. Authorization from the Fire Technology Department is required for enrollment.
FAC 071A Ventilation Review
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 8 Lecture, 8 Lab
Theory of positive pressure ventilation and panelized roofs; students will participate in walking, sounding, and cutting panelized roofs. A materials fee may be required. Not offered every semester.
FAC 072 Trench Rescue Technician
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 5.75 Lecture, 18.25 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Completion of an accredited CA Firefighter I Academy or equivalent training as determined by the Department Chair or Discipline Faculty, and Successful completion of Structural Collapse Specialist 1 or Rescue Systems 1; or A letter from the Fire Chief (or designee) stating the sponsored student has successfully completed the equivalent training.
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the trench rescue technician to work safely and efficiently in a trench rescue environment. This hands-on training program includes trench and excavation regulations, soil characteristics, trench configurations and hazards, rescue team preparation, incident response, initial on-scene and pre-entry operations, shoring systems and components, shoring system installation, victim rescue and recovery, and incident termination. This course incorporates awareness, operations, and technician training based on NFPA 1006 (2021).
FAC 076 Low Angle Rope Rescue Operational
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- 12 Lecture, 12-20 Lab
The Low Angle Rope Rescue Operational course is designed to provide training for responders in low angle rope rescue operations. These over-the-side operations may be the result of a vehicle accident, hiking mishap, swift water rescue, or search and rescue function in an urban or remote area. Materials fee may be required. Not offered every semester.
FAC 076A High Angle Rope Rescue
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 12 Lecture, 12 Lab
Designed to equip the students with information, techniques, and methods for utilizing rope, webbing, hardware, friction devices, and stretchers in high angle and high rise rope rescue situations. Additional materials fees may be required. Not offered every semester.
FAC 079A S-339 Division/Group Supervisor- ALL RISK
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 24 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Certified in both courses, ICS-300, Intermediate I.C.S. ICS S-330
This course prepares students to perform in the role of division/group supervisor during wildland fire operations. It provides instruction in support of the specific tasks of the division/group supervisor, but will not instruct students in general management/supervision or in the incident command system (ICS), both of which the student should learn through prerequisite work. Topics include division/group management, organizational interaction, division operations, all-hazard operations, and tactical decision games. There is a final examination in this course. May require additional material fees. Not offered every semester.
FAC 079B AH-330 Strike Team/Task Force Leader – All Hazards (32 Hours)
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 22 Lecture, 10 Lab
- Prerequisite
- ICS-200B: Incident Command Initial Action Incidents and CICCS qualified Engine Boss, Heavy Equipment Boss or Crew Boss for single resources.
This course is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to perform in the position of Strike Team/Task Force Leader. Topics include position overview, pre-deployment responsibilities, the concept of the position, resource typing standards, pre-dispatch preparation, incident responsibilities, administration, supervision, response, assignment, demobilization, tactics and safety, risk management, entrapment avoidance, WUI; case studies, scenarios, appropriate action vs. freelancing. Designed for: Strike Team/Task Force Leader, All Hazards (STEN/TFLD).
FAC 079D S-440 Planning Section Chief
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 4 Lecture, 16 Lab
- Prerequisite
- Students must be qualified as a Situation Unit Leader (SITL). Students must be qualified as a Resources Unit Leader (RESL). Students must bring evidence to the first class meeting or be dropped from the class.
Designed to meet a portion of the training needs of the Planning Section Chief Type 2 for wildland fire operations. Topics include information gathering, strategies, meetings and briefings, incident action plans (IAP), interactions, forms, documents, supplies, demobilization, and an optional technology section. Additional fees may be required. Not offered every semester.
FAC 080B S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- Units
- 0.4
- Hours
- 8 Lecture
This course provides instruction in the primary factors affecting the start and spread of wildfire and recognition of potentially hazardous situations. 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. Not offered every semester. There may be additional materials fees.
FAC 080D S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- 32 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FAC 080B S-190 Certification. Students are required to bring a copy of their S-190 certificate to the first class session or they will be dropped from the course.
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, with a focus on local conditions. Materials fees may be required. Not offered every semester.
FAC 083 Hazardous Materials First Responder: Awareness Level
- Units
- 0.1
- Hours
- 8 Lab
The purpose of this course is to provide participants who are likely first responders with an improved capability to respond to Haz Mat events in a safe and competent manner, within the typical resource and capability limitations at the "Awareness" Level. Meets the requirements of CFR 29 1910.120 and CCR Title 8, and satisfies the requirements for Fire Inspector I certification through both State Fire Training and the International Code Council. Additional material fees may be required. Not offered every semester.
FAC 084 Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational Level
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 16 Lecture
This class is designed for fire department personnel who may respond to releases or potential releases of hazardous materials as part of the initial response to the site for the purpose of protecting nearby persons, property, or the environment from the effects of the release. Defensive tactics to contain the release from a safe distance, keep it from spreading, and prevent exposures without trying to stop the release. This course may require additional materials fees for state course completion certificate. This course is limited to 40 students. May not be offered every semester.
FAC 084A Hazardous Materials First Responder Operational, Decontamination
- Units
- 0.4
- Hours
- 8 Lecture
- Prerequisite
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FAC 084
- Advisory
- Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: FAC 084 Participants who desire to take this training should have already had training equal to, or greater than, First Responder Operations (FRO), as defined in the OSHA HAZWOPER regulation. Proof of FRO training is required prior to attendance. Additionally, participants must have had sufficient training in Respiratory Protection that includes the ability to don and doff a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).
This course is designed for hazardous material emergency response personnel. This course will provide the HazMat emergency responder with the processes used in decontamination and methods to limit the spread of hazardous materials contamination in a safe and competent manner. This is a hands-on class associated with Hazardous Materials First Responder, Operational. Additional materials fees may be required for the state certificate of completion. Not offered every semester. Additional material fees may be required.