Class descriptions:

FTEC-111 Fire Protection Organization

Provides an introduction to fire protection; career opportunities in fire protection and related fields; philosophy and history of fire protection; 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.

FTEC-112 Fire Prevention Technology

Designed for the new student. The course 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 relationship of fire prevention with fire safety education and detection and suppression systems.

FTEC-113 Fire Protection Equipment and Systems

Provides information relating to the features of design and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, heat and smoke control systems, special protection and sprinkler systems, water supply for fire protection and portable fire extinguishers.

FTEC-117 Preparing to be a Firefighter

Provides knowledge and skills needed to successfully complete the fire department employment process. Course includes what firefighters do, how firefighters are selected, memory and observation, tool knowledge, shop arithmetic, mechanical insight, mechanical knowledge, hydraulic calculations using mathematic formulas, calculation of square footage, cubic footage, percent of slopes, interpretation of symbols, spatial relations, map reading, reading comprehension, vocabulary, tables, charts, graphs, physical ability testing, resume preparation, fire department applications, and oral interviewing.

FTEC-211 Fire Behavior and Combustion

(Co-requisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in FTEC 111). Theory and fundamentals of how and why fires start, spread, and are controlled; an in-depth study of fire chemistry and physics, fire characteristics of materials, extinguishing agents, and fire control techniques.

FTEC-212 BUILDING CONSTRUCTION FOR THE FIRE SERVICE

(Co-requisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in FTEC 111). The study of the components of building construction that relate to fire safety. The elements of construction and design of structures are shown to be key factors when inspecting buildings, preplanning fi re operations, and operating at fires. The development and evolution of building and fire codes will be studied in relationship to past fires in residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. 

For more information, email mgilman@avc.edu or (661) 722-6300 ext. 6012.

FTEC-295A Firefighter 1 Academy

The Antelope Valley Fire Academy is accredited as an ARTP by California State Training. The Academy provides the student with the knowledge to meet California State Fire Training requirements for a Firefighter 1 Academy. This coursework is the first step toward Firefighter 1 Certification. It combines classroom coursework with hands on training. Coursework includes, but is not limited to: history and development of the fire service, organization command and control, communications and alarms, fire behavior, firefighter safety, personal protective equipment, self-contained breathing apparatus, portable fire extinguishers, water supply, fire hose and appliances, nozzles and fire streams, and protective systems. Students may have to purchase additional supplies not provided by the college.

Additional requirements to attend the AVC Fire Academy:

• Completion of FTEC-111
• Current CPAT or Biddle 
• Medical exam
• Current BLS Certification
• Current Emergency Medical Technician Certification
  • Note: If you do not currently meet all qualifications, you can contact the Academy Director and discuss your options to attend the Academy.

The AVC Firefighter 1 Fire Academy is a part time program. We generally meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm. and Fridays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The academy starts in the Fall semester and runs through the Spring semester. Students will be enrolled in FTEC 295A and FTEC 295AL as well as FTEC-290A in the Fall and in FTEC 295B and FTEC 295LB and FTEC-290B course in the Spring. 

What will I learn?

• You will have the opportunity to learn about vehicle rescue techniques, including using the Jaws of Life, as well as how to ventilate a building, lay fire hose and attack lines, put up a ladder and use rope rescue systems. Building construction and fire prevention will also be covered, culminating in live fire training.

Who could hire me?

• Antelope Valley College’s Fire Technology program gives you a competitive edge in the fire technology field. However, even with completion of the certificate or degree, firefighter candidates cannot be hired without passing a state-mandated exam given to thousands of candidates each year.
   
• Municipal fire departments in the area often hire graduates from this program, and each year the California City Fire Department accepts a handful of students as volunteer firefighter reserve interns.

What's the average pay range for local jobs in this field?

• Most local jobs in this industry start at approximately $74,000 per year.

Sounds great! How do I get more information?

Contact the Health and Safety Sciences Division, (661) 722-6300, ext. 6402.

• Program Requirements
• Fire Technology Brochure
• Fire Technology Flyer

Accredited Regional Training Program