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Fire Science

Aside from simply fighting fires, firefighters respond to many other types of emergency calls, including motor vehicle accidents, technical rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and medical emergencies. Firefighters also teach fire and injury prevention classes, visit schools, and lead fire station tours for the public.
Graduates from the Fire Science program may obtain jobs in municipal, suburban, and rural fire departments, as well as private and airport authority fire departments. Once hired by a fire department, firefighters often develop and branch into other areas and specialties, such as training, paramedicine, public education, and fire investigation.

Working as a volunteer firefighter before, during, and after the Fire Science program is an excellent way to build skills and knowledge and develop contacts in the industry, and we encourage our students to pursue volunteer opportunities. 
Firefighters work as a team, and typically develop strong camaraderie and a sense of family. This often happens in the Fire Science program as well as in the fire service in general.

Entry-level jobs in larger jurisdictions may start at $75, 000 annually, and with experience, firefighters can earn anywhere from $80, 000 to $110, 000 annually. Benefits packages for firefighters tend to be quite good, and usually include health insurance, retirement programs, and generous opportunities for paid time off.

The following traits are common among firefighters:

  • Balance of cardio, strength, and flexibility, and commitment to lifelong health and fitness
  • Action oriented and able to take control of situations
  • Ability to stay calm under extreme pressure
  • Desire to continue learning in a continuously changing profession
  • Ability to communicate effectively in stressful situations

These traits can all be learned! Students do not need to have these traits before joining the program.

SCC’s two-year associate in applied science degree combines technical and general education courses to equip students with basic skills required for entry level positions with municipal, industrial, and state and federal departments. Students learn to handle basic firefighting, rescue, and safety responsibilities. Students are taught to the national standard and optional certifications are nationally recognized. 

  1. Have a well–rounded technical background for entry into fire service or rescue related fields. 
  2. Apply knowledge and skill to a successful entrance into the fire service.   
  3. Handle basic Fire, Rescue, and EMS duties.
The duties of the firefighter include, but are not limited to, extinguishing and controlling fires, performing rescue and evacuation work incidental to fire control, accidents, natural disasters, and other incidents where human life is threatened. Firefighters also render emergency aid to those in need. The responsibilities of fire prevention, inspection, and public relation programs aimed at reducing death and property loss are also undertaken.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.
English placement is not required for this program.

Fire Science is a very well respected career pathway that often requires courage and integrity. Those who start down the path have a great respect for life and wish to help and protect others. The Fire Science Technology program at Spokane Community College is designed to help prepare students for entry-level careers as firefighters for municipal, industrial, state, and federal fire departments. The primary mission of the Fire Science Technology program is to prepare students to identify and mitigate emergencies in order to preserve life and property. 

Please note that students may start in either quarter one or two in fall depending on enrollment. They will then take quarter one or two in their second quarter of the program before progressing through the remainder of the program. Our Pathway Specialists will work closely with Fire Science students to ensure they have a clear plan when starting the program.

Program Requirements: admittance to the Fire Science Lab classes requires the student's age to be at least 18 or with the instructor's permission. All students are required to carry student accident insurance throughout their enrollment in the Fire Science program.  A 2.0 grade or better must be maintained in all courses required for a degree.

 

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 100


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
EMS 128
Emergency Medical Technician Lecture   1
10
EMS 129
Emergency Medical Technician   1
3
FS 100
Orientation to Fire Science   2
2
FS 115
Community Relations  
3
Total Credits
 
18

NOTE: A student’s first quarter may be the first or second quarter course sequence based on enrollment. If a student takes their second quarter courses in the first quarter, their second quarter will be the first quarter course sequence.

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
ENGL&101
English Composition I  
5
FS 152
Building Construction   3
3
PE 188
Basic Fitness I  
2
 
Math Elective   4
5
Total Credits
 
15
Math Elective: Choose 5 credits Math Elective: Choose 5 credits  
BUS 103
Basic Business Math and Electronic Calculators  
5
MATH&107
Math in Society   5
5
MATH 201
Introduction to Finite Mathematics   6
5

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CHEM&110
Chemical Concepts w/Lab  
5
CMST&210
Interpersonal Communication  
5
FS 109
Safety, Health, & Wellness for Emergency Services  
3
FS 177
Wildland Fire Operations  
3
Total Credits
 
16

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
FS 211
Introduction to Fire Science  
3
FS 212
Fire Science Applications I  
6
 
FS114 OR FS116  
6
Total Credits
 
15
FS114 OR FS116: Choose 6 credits FS114 OR FS116: Choose 6 credits  
FS 114
Emergency Vehicle Operations  
6
FS 116
Introduction to Technical Search & Rescue  
6

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
FS 105
Principles of Hydraulics  
3
FS 170
Hazardous Materials I  
4
FS 221
Intermediate Fire Science  
3
FS 222
Fire Science Applications II  
6
FS 233
Professional Development  
2
Total Credits
 
18

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
FS 160
Fire Tactics  
3
FS 231
Advanced Fire Science  
3
FS 232
Fire Science Applications III  
6
 
FS114 OR FS116  
6
Total Credits
 
18
FS114 OR FS116: Choose 6 credits FS114 OR FS116: Choose 6 credits  
FS 114
Emergency Vehicle Operations  
6
FS 116
Introduction to Technical Search & Rescue  
6

1 EMS 128 & 129 may be substituted by EMT Basic or Higher National Registry Certification.
2 First year Fire Science students only. This course is offered fall quarter only.
3 This course is offered winter quarter only.
4 MATH& 107 and MATH 201 require placement, please plan accordingly.
5 MATH& 107 has a prerequisite of MATH 72, 88, 98, or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or an appropriate placement score.
6 MATH 201 has a prerequisite of MATH 72, 98, or 99 with a 2.0 or better within the last three years or an appropriate placement score.

Estimated costs for completing this program

 
WA Resident
Non-Resident
International
Tuition
$ 10,174
$ 11,760
$ 22,534
Books
$ 1,434
$ 1,434
$ 1,434
Course Fees
$ 1,259
$ 1,259
$ 1,259
Institutional Fees
$ 672
$ 672
$ 3,195
Supplies and Materials
$ 130
$ 130
$ 130
Total Costs
$ 13,668
$ 15,254
$ 28,551

Costs for completing a degree or certificate can vary. For more information about costs, visit our How Much Does it Cost? page.

Have a question? Let's hear it.

Kira Fredricks

Pathway Specialist
Kira.Fredricks@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8306

 

Alaynah Hardesty

Workforce Transition Specialist
Alaynah.Hardesty@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7398

 

John Yoon

Academic Counseling Liaison
John.Yoon@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7356

 

Landon Johnston

Academic Counselinlg Liaison
Landon.Johnston@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7190

 

Ashley Purdin

Division Dean
Ashley.Purdin@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7065

 

Brandon Livingston

Associate Division Dean
Brandon.Livingston@scc.spokane.edu
509-992-7023

 

Ray Lackey

Department Chair
Ray.Lackey@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-7292