Fire Department Training

Firefighters train every day.  The ISO requires all members to train a minimum of 20 hours a month, not including multi-company training. This training can be in subjects such as:

  • Building construction
  • Hose lays
  • High Rise
  • Nutrition
  • Fitness
  • Strategy and Tactics
  • Ventilation
  • Driver’s Training
  • Aerial Operations
  • SOP’s
  • Forcible Entry
  • Natural Gas hazards
  • Firefighter safety
  • etc

Most departments have multi-company drills each day that will cover the subjects listed above, and Emergency Medical Service training.  As a new firefighter you will usually be required to complete an academy.  These can range from 4 to 8 weeks at most departments, to as long as 1 year.  During this time new firefighters are trained in the basics of firefighting, and may have to complete their firefighter 1 and 2 certifications.  Many times a Haz-Mat awareness and operations certificates are also completed during this period.