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Fire Science Technology

Why choose Fire Science at PPCC?

PPCC's Fire Science Technology, recognized as one of the best  programs of its kind in the region, will train you to be a skilled firefighter, the cornerstone of our society’s first-responder force. It's a career that's high paying, in-demand and profoundly mobile. Further studies and training can lead to careers as arson investigators, fire inspectors, fire marshalls and (after earning a PPCC Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Emergency Service Administration), emergency management directors, first-line supervisors of other emergency personnel or occupational health and safety specialists.  

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Nationally-recognized Fire Science program

PPCC’s Fire Science Technology Program is recognized by the by the United States Fire Administration's (USFA) National Fire Academy as a member of the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) network.

What do PPCC Fire Science students study?

PPCC’s Fire Science program focuses on every aspect of working as a firefighter and will teach you about all aspects of the fire service. You will learn about topics such as:

  • Firefighter Occupational Safety and Health
  • Fire Prevention Practices
  • Fire Protection Systems
  • Hazardous Materials
  • Hydraulics
  • Fire Codes and Ordinances
  • Fire Investigation
  • Wildland Firefighting
  • Fire Internships with Area Departments

Classes you might take

Provides fundamental information regarding the history and philosophy of fire prevention, organization and operation of a fire prevention bureau, use of fire codes, identification and correction of fire hazards, and the relationships of fire prevention with built-in fire protection systems, fire investigation, and fire and life-safety education.
Introduces hazardous materials incidents, recognizing and identifying hazardous materials, planning response, implementing response procedures, decision making, and continued evaluation at the awareness and operation level.
Provides a foundation of theoretical knowledge in order to understand the principles of the use of water in fire protection and to apply hydraulic principles to analyze and to solve water supply problems.
Addresses all aspects of the Fire Service entrance examination process and especially emphasizes various components of the exam, including the written, physical abilities, and oral interview. The objective of this class is to help increase the entrance firefighter candidate’s chance of obtaining a career in the Fire Service.
Addresses the requirements necessary to perform at the first level of progression as identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001, Firefighter Professional Qualifications. This is a lecture and lab course for meeting the NFPA 1001, level I, standard. This is a 9 credit Lecture/Lab course with 13 total hours a week in the classroom and drill ground. This is a highly demanding course that will get you ready for the Colorado State Firefighter 1 Certification skills test at the end of your 16 week academy.

Earn college credit while you work

Current fire service professionals may be awarded program credit with certifications that meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Emergency Management Institute, local, state and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

Contact Fire Science Faculty

Call to Schedule an Appointment

Firefighter 1 Academy

PPCC's firefighting academy (FST 100) prepares students to earn Firefighter 1 certification in the state of Colorado. Our instructors, all experienced firefighters, train future firefighters using modern equipment to fight real fires and prepare them for their careers in the fire service.

Firefighting Academy Information

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) are competencies with which students will be proficient at the completion of an academic program. Program Learning Outcomes link with course learning outcomes and competencies.

Program Learning Outcomes

Get started in Fire Science

Apply to PPCC Request Information

Fire Science Faculty

Fire Science Department Chair

Jamie Gutschick

Contact Department Chair: (719) 502-3300  Jamie.Gutschick@ppcc.edu

 

Fire Science Lead Advisor

Nova Munselle

Contact advising: 719-502-3232  advising@ppcc.edu

Fire Science Faculty PPCC Advisor

CPAT Testing

PPCC offers Candidate Physical Ability Tests (CPAT) for individuals applying to municipal and volunteer fire departments. 

CPAT Testing Information