FIRE-95 BASIC FIRE ACADEMY

60th FIRE ACADEMY - Fall 2023

Aug 28, 2023 - Nov 17, 2023

Uniform Measurement Day - Regional Public Safety Training Center - Room 173

***June 10, 2023 at 0830*** All Uniform funds and EVALS are paid on this day. You must understand this is a major commitment and these funds are non-refundable. 

***FIRE-2A ACADEMY ORIENTATION IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE ACADEMY*** YOU MUST ATTEND. The cost is approximately $23.00.  Aug 7 - 11, 2023. This will be explained in detail on Uniform Measurement Day. 

After Academy Acceptance, Admissions will contact you regarding both Fire-2A the 5-day (Mon. – Fri.) Fire Academy Orientation class, and Fire-95, the Fire Academy class for enrollment. This will be explained in detail on Uniform Measurement Day. 

 All pre-requisite courses (Fire 61B-Confined Space Awareness, Fire 66 ICS-200, Fire 82A-HazMat FRO and EMS60-EMT) are offered prior to the start of the Academy:

Read this in it's Entirety:

 

ACADEMY APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY May 19, 2023

The Academy Application is available online now using the link provided at the bottom of this web page. You will be instructed when to do this.

 

 

Victor Valley College Fire Technology Department is an accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) as designated by the Office of the California State Fire Marshal (CSFM).  As an ARTP, Victor Valley College Fire Technology Department is authorized to deliver a CSFM Accredited Firefighter I Academy and a full suite of CSFM courses leading to advanced levels of certification.  In addition, Victor Valley College Fire Technology Department is authorized by CSFM to deliver Fire Fighter I certification examinations in support of CSFM's accreditation by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the National Board of Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board).  

The Victor Valley College Firefighter I Academy is a 400-plus hour intensive training program, Monday through Friday from 6:30  a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for 12 weeks. This course provides basic firefighter skills and knowledge with an emphasis on “Hands On” skills development. The course conforms to the standards for certification by the State Board of Fire Services and the Office of the State Fire Marshal.  Upon successful completion of the Victor Valley College Fire Academy, you will have completed the Firefighter I Testing for International Fire Service Accreditation Council (IFSAC) and Pro-Board Certification.

This course has strict standards that comply with those required of firefighters in the fire service. Grooming standards, dress codes, discipline and attitude are important standards that a firefighter must possess. Teamwork, self-confidence, self-discipline, quick thinking and the ability to follow instructions and orders accurately are emphasized in this course.

Trainees who successfully complete the academy will receive a Firefighter I Academy Graduation Certificate from Victor Valley College.

Trainees may then be certified by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and must meet all other State Fire Marshal requirements.

Other California State Fire Marshall or Certificates of Training that graduates earn within the Firefighter I Academy include the following:

• Auto Extrication
• Firefighter Safety and Survival
• Rapid Intervention Crew Operations
• Fire Control 3A/3B
• I-100,S-190, S-130, L-180 (NWCG)
• Hazardous Materials WMD
• Hazardous Materials Decon
• California Firefighter I
• Biddle PAT Certificate (Los Angeles County and Orange County Fire Chief's Physical Abilities Test) 

Required Courses

All trainees must complete and/or must obtain the corresponding certifications, Prior to Applying for the Academy: If you attend Victor Valley College to take any of the below classes, you can submit a copy of your VVC college transcript to show class completion/grade until actual certificate arrives. 

EMS 60 Emergency Medical Technician: Minimum course completion - Note: Applicants with Actual EMT cards will get priority over EMT Completion certificates.

FIRE 82A Hazardous Materials First Responder - Operational (HAZMAT FRO) : CSTI CERTIFICATION

FIRE 66 Introduction to Incident Command (ICS 200) : MUST BE A STATE FIRE MARSHAL CLASS  Note: the online FEMA certificate will not be accepted

FIRE 61B Confined Space Awareness : STATE FIRE MARSHAL CERTIFICATION

All recommended courses are offered prior to the next academy.  You will need to show proof of completion.

• Class Schedule Listings can be found @VVC.edu - Students - Class schedule - start search for classes now - enter term and fire technology under subjects - submit

Co-requisite Courses

• FIRE 140A - Firefighter Phys Entrance Exam Techniques (2.5 unit)
• Fire 61E - Rapid Intervention Crew Operations (1.5 units)
• Fire 63A - Auto Extrication (0.5 unit)
• Fire 82C - Haz-Mat WMD (0.5 unit)
• Fire 82D - Haz-Mat Decon (0.5 unit)

Process:

1. Contact Part time Director Jose Arredondo (jose.arredondo@vvc.edu) or Assistant Suzanne Penfold (Suzanne.Penfold@vvc.edu) via email with the above certifications or qualifications. You must attach your documents as PDF's to the emails.

In the body of the email you will request to submit an application. Your email will be evaluated and you will be given further instructions. Include your Name, your phone number and VVC ID Number (if you have one) in the email. Good communication is Key.

2. If you are a VVC student you can send your transcripts showing that you are taking or have taken the qualifying pre-reqs classes prior to the closing filing date. (May 19, 2023).

3. Once received and checked, you will be instructed to send in an application from the below link.

4. Any applications submitted without instructions to do so, will be discarded. 

There is a Fire Academy in the Spring and Fall semesters. All prospective trainees must complete an application packet that will be available on-line prior to the start date of the Academy. The Spring Academy acceptance ending date is usually at the end of November. The Fall Academy accepting ending date is usually around the Middle of May. 

All applications will be reviewed for completion. You will get a phone call to go over your application (please make sure your contact information is correct).  Candidates will be accepted into the Fire Academy on a first completed first serve basis.  The key is, the application must be complete. If you have other classes I.E. Fire 100, Fire 104, Fire 105, Fire 110, feel free to include them for your file. 

Fees: Many fees can be covered by Financial Aid and Grants.  You may contact the financial aid office for more information.  Students with BOGG Waivers generally pay $1702 for the Fire Academy.

Tuition/Fees (19. units x $46.00 per unit) -	$ 874.00
Student Center ($10.00 maximum per year) -	$ 10.00
Uniforms/PT Clothes/Gear Bag	$ 750.00
Certification, Materials, Gear Rental & Equipment Fees	$ 1595.00
Textbook: IFSTA Essentials of Firefighting 7th Edition	$107.00
EVALS - Online Testing and Firefighter I Taskbook	$120.00
Total	$ 3456.00

PAYMENT PLANS:

At Orientation you will be provided information regarding payment plans.  At orientation, Trainees can set up the payment plan with no down payment.  Future payments (a total of 3) will come out the following months.  

**Do not purchase anything until you've been accepted into the Fire Academy and attended the Uniform Measurement day. **Fees above are subject to change**

Uniforms

All trainees are required to wear the Victor Valley College Firefighter I Academy uniform throughout the academy. The Uniform Vendor will be on-site during the Uniform fitting day.  The Uniform Vendor maintains a large supply of uniforms that meet the Fire Academy specification.  You will purchase academy uniforms during the Uniform fitting day.

  

 

Turnout Gear 

All trainees will be issued NFPA 1971 compliant turnout gear that has been maintained according to NFPA 1851.  Trainees can provide their own turnout gear.

If you are sponsored by a Fire Department, they may provide you with NFPA 1971 Compliant turnout gear.  The Fire Chief will need to provide a letter indicating that the provided gear is NFPA 1971 Compliant and maintained according to NFPA 1851.  The letter will also need to indemnify Victor Valley College from damage that occurs to the provided equipment during the academy.

Please ensure that you have read all of the information on this page BEFORE continuing to the Application below.

---

REQUIRED Physical Evaluation Form: Must be submitted prior to the start of the Academy. The form will be provide to you on Uniform Measurement day with detailed instructions

---

Only Apply after instructed to do so. See Above

Academy Application

EVALS