FCA 100-Introduction to Firefighting, 4 credits
Provides an overview of the fire service and the role of the firefighter. Several aspects of a career with the Fire Service will be explored beginning with the origins of the modern American fire service, the complexity of the organization, and an introduction to the activities involved in fire protection. Students must have acceptance into the Fire Science program to enroll. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 111-Fundamentals of Firefighting, 5 credits
Provides an introduction to firefighting fundamentals according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and includes a practicum element. Topics include personal protective equipment, search and rescue techniques, health and safety, fire behavior, incident command systems, ladders and ventilation, and hazardous materials. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 113-Intermediate Firefighting, 6 credits
Enhances information discussed in FCA 111, Fundamentals of Firefighting. Taught in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Topics include hazardous materials, fire behavior, use and types of extinguishers, advanced ventilation, search and rescue, forcible entry techniques, ropes and knots, and techniques in salvage and overhaul. Prerequisite: FCA 111 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 115-Advanced Firefighting, 8 credits
Taught according to the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and is the final segment in the FCA 111, FCA 113, and FCA 115 series. The course expands on the topics covered in the previous courses and will include hydraulics, sprinkler systems, fire prevention education, investigation, and multi-company operations. Upon completion of this segment, the student will be able to take the test for Level 1 Firefighter conducted by the state Fire Protection Bureau. Those who successfully complete the test will receive a certificate from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) that is recognized in 35 states and 19 countries. Prerequisite: FCA 111 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 120-Fire Investigation, 3 credits
Basic study of fire scene investigation procedures and techniques used to determine the origin and cause of fire. Topics include accurate determination of the origin and cause of fire, systematic approach to fire scene examination, chemistry of fire, accidental and incendiary fire causes, scene sketching, scene photography, note taking, and Washington State Criminal statutes. Additionally basic scene security, major fire scene control, report writing, interviewing, and courtroom demeanor for the firefighter and investigator will be discussed. Prerequisite: FCA 115 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 130-Hydraulics, 3 credits
Consistent with the competencies identified in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards with primary emphasis on the duties and responsibilities of a pump operator. This is accomplished by learning the operating principles, theories, and construction of the apparatus, the maintenance, pumping, operating the pump, and the study of circulating hydraulics. Prerequisite: FCA 115. Recommended: MATH 065. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 137-Fire Protection Systems, 3 credits
Study of fire protection and detection systems with a focus on the introduction of sprinkler system operation, maintenance, and inspection. Includes basic system designs including wet, dry, deluge, and pre-action; various sprinkler heads; system parts including connections and valves; and system operation including water supply. Maintenance and inspection of sprinkler systems and fire department support are discussed. Additional topics include occupancies requiring non-water type systems, examination of carbon dioxide systems, halogenated systems, wet/dry chemical systems, and standpipe systems along with the fire department standpipe systems. Additionally, the course explores fire extinguishers, fire detection and alarm systems. Prerequisite: FCA 111 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 152-Building Construction, 3 credits
Overview of building construction engineering principles, fire and life safety concerns, hazardous materials/techniques, and related design factors. Significant course time concentrates on the hazards of various methods, techniques, components, and materials found in building construction. Special attention to lightweight construction techniques as well as strategic and tactical considerations for contemporary building design. Utilization of building construction knowledge for pre-planning fire potential is emphasized. Prerequisite: FCA 115 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 160-Fire Tactics I, 3 credits
Addresses training in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of basic fire tactics at the responding officer level. Principle elements include pre-fire planning, size-up, fire simulation, fire behavior, organizational structures, tactics, strategy, resource requirements, and allocation of resources. Prerequisite: FCA 115 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 177-Wildland Fire Management, 3 credits
Designed for the company officer, initial attack incident commander, and other firefighters that are confronted with a wildland/urban interface fire situation and will focus on strategy and tactical decisions than minimize property damage. Students will participate in a simulated fire incident, being required to evaluate the situation, order and deploy attack and support resources, and safely and effectively provide control of the situation. Prerequisite: FCA 111 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 190-Uniform Fire Codes and Inspections, 4 credits
Study of the Uniform Fire Code as it applies to fire prevention inspections at the fire company level. Includes the Fire Code's relationship to the Uniform Building Code and other recognized standards. Special attention is given to the establishment and maintenance of model codes, the inspection process, and developing an understanding of the administrative section of the Uniform Fire Codes and the Uniform Building Codes. Discussion of public relations and alternate methods and materials give the course a realistic approach to field applications. Prerequisite: FCA 115 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 285-Public Safety Educator, 2 credits
Instruction on the skills and knowledge required to present public relations material and educational information from the fire service to the general public and other targeted groups on prevention, safety, and other fire related issues. In addition to the educational component, the student gains insights into working with community agencies, understanding the legislative process, and securing funding and other resources. View the Master Course Outline
FCA 299-Leadership, 3 credits
Introduces the Fire Science student to leadership and influencing skills among emergency personnel. It will explain why effective leadership begins with personal insight and development, describe various leadership models, explore the value of trust in an organization, how to acquire personal influence, and how leaders create a work environment fostering leadership in others. In addition, the students will discuss the decision-making process especially in a crisis. Prerequisite: FCA 115 or instructor permission. View the Master Course Outline
-This class is offered as a telecourse. Please check the quarterly schedule for course offerings. -This class is offered as an online or WAOL class. Please check the quarterly schedule for course offerings.
-This class is offered as a telecourse. Please check the quarterly schedule for course offerings.
-This class is offered as an online or WAOL class. Please check the quarterly schedule for course offerings.
