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Fire Tech Courses

These listings are sourced from Curricunet, and some courses may not be offered every semester. For additional information, contact the academic department, speak with counseling or refer to the current Class Schedule and College Catalog.

FT 1 - Principles of Emergency Services    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course provides an overview to fire protection and emergency services; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; culture and history of emergency services; fire loss analysis; organization and function of public and private fire protection services; fire departments as part of local government; laws and regulations affecting the fire service; fire service nomenclature; specific fire protection functions; basic fire chemistry and physics; introduction to fire protection systems; introduction to fire strategy and tactics; life safety initiatives. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 50 has been completed.)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Describe and explain the influence on a fire protection organization from factors such as philosophy & history of fire protection, fire loss analysis, public & private organizations, labor-management relations, codes & ordinances, management operations, fire service resources, line & staff operations, fire behavior & combustion, fire protection systems, incident management systems, strategy & tactics, and cultural diversity.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities to complete a career potential assessment for an entry-level fire service position, including a civil service written examination, a physical ability test and a structured oral interview.
  3. Write an analysis essay based on an emergency services related trade article, following proper format, mechanics, organization, word usage and comprehensive content parameters.

FT 2 - Principles of Fire and Emergency Services Safety and Survival    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course provides students with the basic principles and history related to the national firefighter life safety initiatives, with a focus on the need for cultural and behavioral changes throughout the emergency services. Topics include assessment of fire dangers; common fire situations; risk abatement; personal preparation for unforeseen fire emergencies; roles and responsibilities in educating the public on fire safety; and development of a survival attitude. Students learn problem-solving techniques for increased situational awareness and self-reliance in emergencies. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology; practicing firefighters and other emergency service personnel; or anyone with an interest in fire safety. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 52 has been completed.)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Describe and explain the roles, responsibilities, and duties of a firefighter related to safety and survival consistent with the National Fallen Firefighters 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives.
  2. Identify fire scene hazards and implement appropriate safety and survival actions consistent with the National Fallen Firefighters 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives.
  3. As a member of a research team, perform and complete the scavenger hunt resource project, and submit the final project following all assessment parameters.

FT 3 - Fire Behavior and Combustion    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course introduces students to the theory and fundamentals of fire behavior including how fires start; how and why they spread; and how they are controlled. Topics include fire chemistry and physics; fire characteristics of materials; extinguishing agents; and fire control techniques. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology and Fire Prevention Inspector, or anyone interested in fire science. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 53 has been completed.)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Case Study, Major US Fire: Research a historic US fire as both an individual and a group and apply this to at least three topics of this course.
  2. Understanding of Matter/Energy: Describe the periodic table, bonding of the elements to form matter, and the relationship between matter and energy as it relates to the combustion process.
  3. Understanding of Fire Behavior, Fuels, Heat Transfer: Describe the fire tetrahedron, and the laws of heat theory as they apply to the spread of fire in structure and wildland settings.
  4. Understanding of Fire Suppression, Strategy and Tactics: Describe methods of fire suppression operations, identify appropriate modes of fire suppression, apply these in scenario settings.
  5. Understanding of Extinguishment Methods and Agents: Describe the properties of extinguishing agents and how they relate to the classifications of fire, able to discuss extinguishment applications.

FT 4 - Fire Prevention    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course provides fundamental knowledge relating to the field of fire prevention. Topics include: history and philosophy of fire prevention; organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau; use and application of codes and standards; plans review; fire inspections; fire and life safety education; and fire investigation. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology and Fire Prevention Inspector, or anyone interested in fire prevention. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 54 has been completed.)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Given class lecture, class discussion, the CBC, The CFC, NFPA standards and related reference material: Demonstrate the ability to identify building limitations and type of construction, purpose, and location of fire rated building components and their correlation to building occupancy classifications.
  2. Given lecture, the CBC, the CFC videos and related reference material: Demonstrate the ability to identify occupancy classifications and related exiting requirements.
  3. Given lecture, videos, CFC, CBC, NFPA standards and related reference material: Select an occupancy to inspect and through a group project demonstrate the ability to conduct a proper fire inspection. Create a floor plan of an assigned occupancy classification and indicate on that plan fire code violations with the accurate code sections. Final project includes a difficult situation with the RP and successful resolution.

FT 5 - Fire Protection Systems    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire alarm systems, water-based fire suppression systems, special hazard fire suppression systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology and Fire Prevention Inspector, or anyone interested in fire protection. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 55 has been completed.)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Given applicable NFPA Standards, the California Fire Code, The California Building Code, applicable reference material, a campus map, measuring wheels, preplan form, graph paper, engineers scale and fire department access exercise: Demonstrate knowledge of both proper and improper placement of fire appurtenances, identify proper proximity to buildings, and identify fire protection systems for specific occupancies. Analyze the efficiency of specific layouts.
  2. Given field trips to 1.A hazardous facility with multiple fire protection items/ systems and 2.A fire protection training facility: Identify the different systems, their applications and possible malfunctions due to lack of compatibility, misuse or incorrect installation.
  3. Given the applicable NFPA Standards, California Building Code, California Fire Code, and related reference material and commentary, lecture, videos and class discussion: Identify various fire protection systems, their applications and functions, components, testing requirements, and hazards of incompatibility and improper placement.

FT 6 - Building Construction for Fire Protection    ( 3.00 - Units )
This course provides the components of building construction related to firefighter and life safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fire operations, and operating at emergencies. Other topics include the development and evolution of building and fire codes in relation to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. This course is intended for students majoring in Fire Technology and Fire Prevention Inspector, or anyone interested in fire protection. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 56 has been completed.)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Given a cognitive presentation and studies, the student will demonstrate an understanding of the historical impact of building construction on fire protection and its significance to change. The student will be able to recognize and recall design principles of buildings, building classifications and occupancies, why and how buildings are built, historical and current building materials, and the relationship to fire codes and safety on the fireground.
  2. Given a cognitive presentation and studies, the student will define and describe the relationship of foundations, structural systems, floors, ceilings, walls, roofs, door and window assemblies, interior finish, building and sub-service systems to the strength and collapse potential of buildings under fire situations and other disasters.
  3. Given cognitive materials and case studies, the student will identify and describe the relationship of building construction factors to fireground fatalities involving firefighters and citizens. The student will relate changes to building construction and fire codes from the lessons learned from significant fire incidents and disaster situations.

FT 7 - Health and Fitness for the Fire Service    ( 3.00 - Units )
Health, wellness and physical fitness are examined from a global and occupational viewpoint. Emphasis on the Seven Dimensions of Wellness from a Fire Service perspective. An introduction to concepts of lifetime fitness and wellness with an emphasis on physical fitness and lifestyle choices.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. . Considering the Five Components of Fitness, complete appropriate Fire Service-specific physical assessments; develop a personal fitness plan considering functional/occupational needs and long term health concerns and track progress.
  2. Referencing the Seven Dimensions of Wellness, formulate and update a scientifically supported collection of information including prevention of cardiovascular disease, mental health issues, substance abuse, environmental/exposure concerns, and interpersonal relationships, that may be used to develop strategies for meeting personal and/or professional health and wellness needs, interests and goals.
  3. Referencing online nutritional websites complete a Food Diary with nutritional analysis, then plan a nutritionally sound menu on a daily basis, considering personal and/or occupational needs and goals. Consider the impacts of shift work and high intensity work and recovery.

FT 10 - Introduction to Fire Fighter I Academy    ( 1.50 - Units )
This course provides an orientation to the Fire Fighter I Academy and introduces the applied operation and maintenance of basic rescue and fire suppression apparatus and equipment. Topics include radio communications, ropes, ladders, hose, personal protective equipment, tool operations, maintenance, and physical fitness training. This course is required for students preparing to apply to the Fire Fighter I Academy at Chabot College. (May not receive credit if Fire Tech 89 and Fire Tech 51W have been completed.)

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Demonstrate how to perform each of the basic-level equipment operation tasks required for Fire Fighter 1 Academy competency.
  2. Apply cognitive skills involving recall, reading comprehension and reasoning to fire service scenarios based on course content of prerequisite Fire Technology courses at a minimum success level of 80% or greater.

FT 11CAP - Fire Fighter I Capstone Testing    ( 1.50 - Units )
This course prepares students to meet the State Fire Training (SFT) requirements for Fire Fighter I (FFI) including the capstone knowledge and skills necessary to pass. Upon successful completion, students will receive a pass letter from SFT. The course is 4 hours lecture, 71 hours laboratory: 40 hours skills practice, 3 hours certification written exam, and 24 hours certification skills evaluation.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Complete 5 required and 3 random Fire Fighter I certification examination skills according to the skills testing sheets designated by California State Fire Training.
  2. Complete 4 required and 2 random wildland certification examination skills according to the skills testing sheets designated by California State Fire Training.
  3. Complete 1 required and 2 random hazardous materials certification examination skills according to the skills testing sheets designated by California State Fire Training.
  4. Complete the Fire Fighter I Comprehensive Examination according to the certification training standards established by California State Fire Training.

FT 11 - Fire Fighter I Academy    ( 17.00 - Units )
This course provides the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level firefighter, career or volunteer, to perform his/her duties safely, effectively, and competently. The curriculum is based on the NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, the NFPA 1051 Standard for Wildland Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and the NFPA 472 Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents. The seven overarching themes of the California State Fire Fighter I curriculum are: general knowledge germane to the profession, fire department communications, fireground operations, rescue operations, preparedness and maintenance, wildland suppression activities, and hazardous materials/WMD. The course emphasizes the requirements of the California State Board of Fire Services Certified Firefighter I training, International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) standards, Professional Qualifications (ProBoard) requirements, and Cal Fire Wildland Firefighter-Basic training. This course, combined with Firefighter I Academy Skills Review and Certification, satisfies all training requirements for the IFSAC Firefighter I certification. Certificates of Completion for Fire Fire Fighter I Academy and Cal Fire Basic Firefighter issued with a grade of "C" or better.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Describe and explain through cognitive assessment the Fire Fighter I competencies on the following topics: fire fighter safety, communications, Incident Command System, fire tools and equipment, structural fire suppression, fire fighter survival, suppression of fires outside of a structure, wildland fire suppression, hazardous materials/WMD, and confined space awareness.
  2. Demonstrate through individual psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, fire fighter safety competencies: donning, doffing and inspection of PPE; use, operation and maintenance of SCBA, including donning and doffing; responding on an apparatus; and operating an emergency scene. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form, technique and safe operating procedures while using designated equipment in an expeditious manner.
  3. Demonstrate through individual psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, communications competencies: operating a phone in a non-emergency situation; initiating a response to an emergency; operating fire department radios; and application of ICS in a tabletop exercise. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form and technique while using designated equipment in a safe and expeditious manner.
  4. Demonstrate through individual psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, tools and equipment competencies: basic & intermediate knot & hitch ties using rope, webbing, prusik cords & carabiners; operation of hand and power tools; operation of portable electric and lighting equipment; and cleaning, inspection, and maintenance of fire tools and equipment. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form, technique & safe operating procedures while using designated equipment in an expeditious manner.
  5. Demonstrate through individual and team psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, structural fire suppression competencies: operation of fire extinguishers; water supply operations involving portable water tanks and hydrants; basic & intermediate ladder deployment operations; basic hose coupling, rolls, maintenance, carries, loads, lays & deployment for fire attack; utility control at emergencies; forcible entry through doors, windows, and walls; search and rescue of victims and firefighters, including use of support equipment; interior and exterior structure fire fighting operations; horizontal and vertical ventilation operations; salvage of room and contents with covers and equipment; and overhaul a fire scene. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form, technique & safe operating procedures in an expeditious manner while using designated equipment as an individual and a member of a team.
  6. Demonstrate through individual and team psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, fire fighter survival competencies: exit a hazardous area; determine a safe haven; and initiate a call for emergency assistance. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form, technique & safe operating procedures in an expeditious manner while using designated equipment as an individual and a member of a team.
  7. Demonstrate through individual and team psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, passenger vehicle fire fighting competencies: attack a passenger vehicle fire; avoid hazards; identify and control leaking flammable liquids; maintain protection from flash fires; overhaul all vehicle compartments; and extinguish the fire. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form, technique & safe operating procedures in an expeditious manner while using designated equipment as an individual and a member of a team.
  8. Demonstrate through individual psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, wildland response, equipment and safety competencies: assemble and prepare for response; don and doff wildland PPE; deploying fire shelters; inspect, maintain, and sharpen hand tools; assemble and use a back pump; assume the safe position for an air tanker drop; use the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG). Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form, technique & safe operating procedures while using designated equipment in an expeditious manner.
  9. Demonstrate through individual and team psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, wildland fire suppression competencies: perform simple and progressive hose lays; use hand tools to construct fire line; perform mobile pumping; ignite and extinguish road flares and fusees; assemble and use a drip torch; prep and defend a structure in the wildland-urban interface; perform wet or dry mop-up operations; and demonstrate patrol principles, techniques, and standards. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form, technique & safe operating procedures in an expeditious manner while using designated equipment as an individual and a member of a team.
  10. Demonstrate through individual psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I hazardous materials/WMD competencies: identify hazardous materials, their potential hazards and appropriate personal protective equipment; identify container size, product or site identification number; and implement a hazardous materials response. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper technique & safe operating procedures while using designated resources in an expeditious manner.
  11. Demonstrate through individual and team psychomotor assessment the following Fire Fighter I, hazardous materials/WMD first responder operational competencies: perform emergency, mass, and technical decontamination; don, work in, and doff chemical protective clothing; perform containment and control techniques to mitigate a hazardous materials/WMD incident. Performance of psychomotor assessments requires completion of all operations following proper form, technique & safe operating procedures in an expeditious manner while using designated equipment as an individual and a member of a team.
  12. Complete a fire service structured oral interview including evaluation of a properly designed and formatted firefighter resume.
  13. Complete 5 required and 3 random Fire Fighter I certification examination skills according to the skills testing sheets designated by California State Fire Training.
  14. Complete 4 required and 2 random wildland certification examination skills according to the skills testing sheets designated by California State Fire Training.
  15. Complete 1 required and 2 random hazardous materials certification examination skills according to the skills testing sheets designated by California State Fire Training.
  16. Complete the Fire Fighter I Comprehensive Examination according to the certification training standards established by California State Fire Training.

FT 88D - Tactical Fire Fitness Training    ( 1.00 - Units )
This course is designed to maximize the physical fitness and vocational skills development of the Fire Technology student. May not receive credit if PEAC FFT 3 has been completed.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Full ground ladder evolutions for roof ventilation and rescue applications with emphasis on safety and form for firefighter team operations
  2. Tactical approach to nutrition principles applied to Food Diary and fitness based on a firefighter work schedule.
  3. Hose advancement operations from hydrant and fire engine with emphasis on safety, form and technique

FT 88A - Introduction to Fire Fitness Training    ( 1.00 - Units )
This course is designed to prepare the Fire Technology student for the physical rigors of FT89 and the Chabot Fire Academy. Course sessions will address aspects of physical training, ladder and hydrant operations and knots utilized in the Fire Service. May not receive credit if PEAC FFT has been completed.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Basic ground ladder technique with emphasis on safety and form
  2. Basic nutrition principles and a basic Food Diary
  3. Basic competency with knots used in the Fire Service

FT 88C - Advanced Fire Fitness Training    ( 1.00 - Units )
Designed to increase the skill and fitness levels developed in FFT 2 or FT 88B, intermediate fire fitness training. May not receive credit if PEAC FFT 2 has been completed.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Advanced ground ladder technique with emphasis on safety and form for 2- and 3-firefighter operations
  2. Advanced nutrition principles applied to Food Diary and daily fitness
  3. Advanced competency with knots used in the Fire Service for rescue and hose applications

FT 88B - Intermediate Fire Fitness Training    ( 1.00 - Units )
This course is designed to further the physical fitness and vocational skills of the fire technology student. Course sessions will consist of physical training and continuing fire service skills development. May not receive credit if PEAC FFT1 has been completed.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Intermediate ground ladder technique with emphasis on safety and form for 2-firefighter operations
  2. Intermediate nutrition principles applied to Food Diary and weekly fitness
  3. Intermediate competency with knots used in the Fire Service for rescue applications

FT 95 - Work Experience/FT    ( 1.00 - Units )
College-supervised on-the-job training while working in a fire service related occupation. Student Firefighters will need to provide proof of current EMT-Basic or Paramedic license, as well as current CPR certification and medical vaccinations before riding along with host fire agencies.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Complete an average attendance equivalent to at least 5 hours per week with the sponsoring fire department's engine and truck companies and log all attendance hours on the Work Hours worksheet.
  2. Complete three job-related performance objectives according to the performance standards and operational policies of the employer.
  3. Maintain a student log of all activities performed during each fire department work shift attended.

FT 96 - Work Experience Seminar/FT    ( 1.00 - Units )
Focal point for the coordination of the curriculum with college-supervised part-time or full-time employment or volunteer work in the fire service field. Case studies, job-related problems, student cases and presentations, and material related to employment, organization, and management; emphasis on building strong working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, and coworkers. Student Firefighters will need to provide proof of current EMT-Basic or Paramedic license, as well as current CPR certification and medical vaccinations before riding along with host fire agencies.

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
  1. Complete a term research project following the parameters of the assignment.
  2. Complete an average attendance equivalent to at least 1 hour per week with the Fire Tech Work Experience Seminar, or acceptable alternative community service activity, as documented on the Participation Hours Worksheet.