Today, fire service personnel are faced with a diverse and complex environment. Firefighters must be well trained to deal effectively with fire protection problems, emergency medical care response, and hazardous materials emergencies. The Fire Technology Program at Cabrillo emphasizes basic educational skills in mathematics, chemistry, and communications, as well as fire protection curriculum designed to prepare students for careers in the fire protection field. Careers in fire protection include public fire service, fire protection engineering, and education. Positions are available in state and federal agencies and private industry. Thousands of openings for both men and women occur each year in fire service and related fields; competition is keen, however. Most fire departments require degrees or certificates of achievement as a prerequisite for promotion. High School Preparation: Completion of algebra, chemistry, and physics is highly recommended.  
 

Students who have successfully completed a California State Fire Marshals certified course in one or more of the course topics may be eligible to receive credit by exam process. 

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THIS PROGRAM, STUDENTS SHOULD BE PREPARED TO:
- Identify minimum qualifications and the needed entry skills for all fire service-related jobs.
- Demonstrate the ability to analyze, appraise, and evaluate fire incidents; Explain size-up, the incident command system, the 10 standard fire orders, and the 18 situations that shout watch out and identify the common factors associated with injuries and deaths in the line of duty.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the laws, regulations, codes, and standards impacting fire department operations. Explain the application of fire codes, and other regulatory codes used by fire departments to control fire and occupant safety in buildings.
- Explain the various phases of fire behavior in buildings. Explain how the behavior of fire in an open environment differs from a fire in an enclosed environment. Describe fire extinguishing agents, how they work, and the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Describe the tools, equipment, and types of fire apparatus used to extinguish fires.
- Explain the operation of fire detection, fire suppression, and alarm systems used to extinguish and provide notification of fire.

To view the Program Map, click here