Fire Science

Are you interested in helping others in need, saving lives and property? IRSC programs in Fire Science will prepare you for a professional career or enhance your skills if you are already in this field.

Once You Complete the Program

Graduates of the program typically find employment as firefighters, investigators, fire protection and detection specialists, fire engineers and safety inspectors.

Fire Academy Track Program

The Fire Academy Track is a two-year degree program designed to provide the student with the skills, abilities and education to be successful in the fire service. The Fire Academy Track program exposes students to a strong educational foundation in general education and fire science courses as a member of a cohort. Students learn to function as a member of a team through instruction and team-building exercises. Upon completion, students will be eligible for certification as a firefighter and emergency medical technician in the State of Florida.

During this program, students will complete:

An Associate in Science Degree in Fire Science Technology
The Emergency Medical Technology program
The Basic Recruit Fire Academy

For more information, contact:
Dr. Alfred H. Williams V, Associate Professor, Department Chair
772-462-7954
awilliam@irsc.edu

We are now accepting applications for the Fall 2021 class.

The Fire Science Academy Track Program is on a first-come, first-served basis. Once an application is turned in and it is determined that the applicant qualifies, they will receive a seat in the upcoming available class. Space in the program is limited.

Apply to IRSC.
Complete the Fire Academy Track Preliminary Application. Visit TCPSTC Academy Track website for fore information about this program.
Once both have been completed, schedule an appointment to turn in your application in, get interviewed and verify the admissions process.

The final semester of the two-year degree program will be the Basic Recruit Fire Academy. Participation in this final phase of training will be solely dependent on the student successfully completing all the required coursework prior to entrance into the Basic Recruit Fire Academy.

Part-time Fire Science Technology A.S. for Certified Firefighters

The Associate in Fire Science Technology degree is offered as a part-time program exclusively for currently certified Firefighters looking to further their career and education. Through online classes, this program is designed to work with your busy schedule.

For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.

Basic Recruit Fire Academy Career Training

You can also choose the Basic Recruit Fire Academy to meet the minimum educational requirements for a certified combat firefighter in the State of Florida. The program is offered as a daytime program, meeting Monday through Friday for 12 to 15 weeks, and as an evening program, meeting Monday through Thursday and Saturdays for 20 to 24 weeks . Upon successful completion of this training program, the student is eligible to take the state written and practical examination administered by the Bureau of Fire Standards and Training. Students must already be certified as EMTs or complete the Emergency Medical Technician or Paramedic training program. See Admission Requirements for details.

This is a selective-admissions program. Applicants must complete and pass a multi-step application process to be accepted.

For more information, contact:
Jessie Ferreira, Interim Fire Academy Clerk
772-462-7951
mferreir@irsc.edu

Mike Kemp, Director
772-462-7968
mkemp@irsc.edu

Please arrive five (5) minutes early for your assigned testing time.
Drivers license and paid receipt are required for admittance
No personal items will be allowed in the testing area, including newspapers, backpacks, books, hats, purses, electronic equipment, cell phones, beverages, etc.

What to Bring/Wear

T-Shirt (non-offensive writing)
Long Pants
Running Shoes
Gloves (baseball or workout with fingers covered)
Water

The Indian River State College Basic Recruit Fire Academy is certified by the Bureau of Firefighter Standards and Training.

The Fire Academy oversees both the Basic Recruit Academy and Pre-Employment Testing for the Treasure Coast area agencies. From your initial testing for the academy application process to required agency hire testing, IRSC has the classes and resources for your new career opportunity.

For course descriptions, see the College Catalog.

Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex

The Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex at Indian River State College (IRSC) is one of the most comprehensive, technologically advanced public safety training facilities in the nation. The 50-acre, eight-building Complex has gained national and international attention for its proactive approach to disaster prevention, response, recovery and relief. The Complex enables IRSC to combine criminal justice, fire science, emergency management, public administration, paralegal and human services education in one place for a coordinated response to all types of emergencies. This innovation in public service education provides students with access to quality instruction, integrating academics, technology and practical applications that lead to degrees and certifications in the public service sector.

At a local level, the proximity of the Complex to public safety agencies helps Treasure Coast communities save money on continuing education and enables them to easily work together to fine tune interagency response to hurricanes and other natural and man-made disasters. At a national level, specialized training and workshops attract thousands of public service professionals from around the nation. IRSC has hosted federal agencies for training to prepare for large-scale events.