Fire Science

The most important entry requirement is college level reading.  Other course requirements may include background check, proof of immunizations and drug screen.

THC (marijuana) is part of the required 10-panel drug screen prior to admittance into any Health Professions or Public Safety program. The passage of Amendment 64 in the State of Colorado, does not overrule Federal law, which states this is still an illegal substance. Students testing positive for THC (marijuana) will not be allowed entrance or re-entrance into a Health or Public Safety programs.

• Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
• Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
• Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
• Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
• Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
• Static Strength — Job requires ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects. Support 125 pounds, push or pull 50 pounds, move and carry objects weighing up to 165 pounds.
• Active Listening — Job requires giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking — Job requires using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Monitoring — Job requires monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Operation and Control — Job requires controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Operation Monitoring — Job requires watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of firefighters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 26,400 openings for firefighters are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Employment

Although improved building materials and building codes have resulted in a long-term decrease in fires and fire fatalities, firefighters will still be needed to respond to fires. Wildland firefighters will still be needed to combat active fires and manage the environment to reduce the impact of fires. Firefighters will also continue to respond to medical emergencies.

Firefighter, Apparatus Operator, Fire Captain, Fire Chief, Fire Engineer, Fire Equipment Operator, Fire Safety Officer, Volunteer Firefighter.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for firefighters was $51,680 in May 2022. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,150, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $84,750.

In May 2022, the median annual wages for firefighters in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Firefighters typically work long periods; overtime is common, and their hours vary. For example, firefighters may work 24-hour shifts on duty, followed by 48 or 72 hours off duty.

When combating forest and wildland fires, firefighters may work for extended periods. For example, wildland firefighters may have to stay for days or weeks when a wildland fire breaks out.

1. Demonstrate proper communication techniques within the EMS/Fire Emergency Services System.
2. Summarize scene safety considerations for working within the EMS/Fire Emergency Services System.
3. Demonstrate the skills needed on a fire, medical, or trauma scene.
4. Demonstrate the ability to qualify for and/or earn industry certifications.