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Programs » Fire Technology » Fire Technology

Fire Technology

Location: CTEC

Program Description

Firefighting isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. It’s about stepping up when others are stepping back. It’s about standing strong in the face of danger, not for glory, but because someone needs help.

 

To serve as a firefighter is to dedicate yourself to something greater than yourself. It’s waking up every day with purpose, knowing that your actions could mean the difference between life and death. It’s about teamwork, trust, and courage—pushing past your limits to protect those who cannot protect themselves. You choose to be the person who runs toward the danger so that others may live.

 

CTEC offers an opportunity to see if a career in firefighting is for you. Classroom instruction, demonstrations, and hands-on skills operations are all a part of the year-long Fire Technology program.

 

FIRE TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS LEARN:

  • SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus)
  • Hazardous materials awareness
  • CPR and basic/advanced first aid and life support instruction
  • Ladder use and safety
  • Hose handling
  • Rescue ropes and knots
  • Pump operation
  • Wildland and ground fires
  • Basic hand tool sharpening and use
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Firefighter survival
  • Fire behavior and fire chemistry
  • Ventilation
  • Oral interview presentation
 

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION OPPORTUNITIES:

Certifications offered to students completing the Fire Technology program include:

  • HAZWOPER Awareness Certificate (Hazardous Materials Awareness)
  • OSHA Confined Space Awareness Certificate
  • First Aid and AHA CPR Certificate
  • Basic 32 Wildland Fire Certification (ICS 100, S-130, S-190, Fire Shelters)
  • Candidates Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
 

THINGS TO CONSIDER:

Fire Technology students should have average or better skills in reading and writing. Students should also have a solid attendance record. This is a physically demanding program. Students must be prepared to run, lift, and carry heavy equipment.

 

HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT AVAILABLE:

Students earn 15 units of elective credit each semester toward their high school graduation.

College prep course. A-G approved. Meets area "G" approval for UC and CSU admissions.

 

BAKERSFIELD COLLEGE CREDIT AVAILABLE:

This is an actual college-level course. CTEC Fire Technology is a dual enrollment class in conjunction with Bakersfield College. In addition to receiving the above KHSD credit, students may earn 3 college units in FIRE B1 Fire Technology in the first semester and 3 additional units in EMTC B51 Emergency Medical Responder in the second semester.

 

CAREER PATHWAYS AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS:

This is a career awareness class that instructs students on the basics necessary for entry-level employment. Successful Firefighting students often pursue careers in the following:

  • Metro Firefighter
  • Wildland Firefighter
  • EMT / Paramedic
  • Safety Officer
  • Fire Dispatch
  • Fire Inspectors and Investigator
  • Forestry Ranger
  • Military