Fire Academy I at Colorado Mountain College
Colorado Mountain College offers a clear path to begin a career in the fire service
The Fire Academy I certificate program prepares students with the fundamental skills and experience to pursue entry-level fire service positions.
Benefit from affordable on-campus housing in a community that celebrates and supports fire service professionals. Connect with local fire departments while expanding your firefighting skills and knowledge. With access to several state-of-the art burn facilities across our mountain communities, CMC’s Fire Academy is well-known in Colorado for preparing first responders for the real world.
Academy Classes & Hands-on Training
Fire Academy I
This certificate program prepares students with the basic skills necessary to respond to fire-related and hazardous materials incidents.
Fire Academy I consists of two college-level credit classes:
- Firefighter I (FST-100) – 9 credit hours
- Hazardous Materials Operations (FST-107) – 3 credit hours
CMC provides SCBA, bunker gear, Academy uniforms and other personal protective gear.
Fire Academy instructors are a diverse group of active and retired firefighters, representing numerous fire departments throughout the region. Training schedules are consistent with the standard 48/96 schedule practiced by rural Colorado fire departments – two consecutive 24-hour shifts on duty, followed by four consecutive days off.
Request Program Information
The Fire Science: Fire Academy I Certificate is offered at:
- Carbondale: Mostly in-person
- Leadville: Mostly in-person
Local Housing
Student housing is available at the Spring Valley Campus which is about 10 minutes away from Carbondale. Apply for residence hall or student apartment housing (opening soon — apply now). Students will need to provide their own transportation to Carbondale.
Most students who enroll in the Colorado Mountain College Fire Academy are seeking their first job in the fire service. There are several ways to successfully start a firefighter career. CMC has pathway options for someone new to higher education, someone changing careers or someone looking to expand their firefighting skills and knowledge.
Explore and discuss options
To get started, you will first meet with our Fire Science Technology Program Coordinator to discuss the fire service and the requirements needed to apply for firefighter positions in Colorado and other states. You will have the opportunity to discuss volunteer service, professional firefighter career opportunities and what CMC can offer to best prepare you to meet your goal of becoming a firefighter in Colorado or elsewhere.
We will help you determine if a degree in Fire Science Technology is something that you want to consider for your career path or if a basic fire academy will meet your needs.
At your earliest convenience, please contact:
Zak Miller
Fire Science Program Chair
zsmiller@coloradomtn.edu
928-951-0669
GET READY FOR THE FIRE ACADEMY
Once you have determined how you want to proceed, it's time to prepare for the Fire Academy.
Students will be required to complete a physical agility test at the beginning of the fire academy. Find more information at National Testing Network/CPAT Information or contact CMC’s Fire Science Technology Program Chair Zak Miller. These tests are offered throughout Colorado.
CMC’s Firefighter I Academy is offered during the fall semester at the Leadville campus and both fall and spring semesters at the Carbondale campus.
PLAN AHEAD
Currently, we have more applications to the Fire Science program than available spots for new students. A supplemental application is required to help identify the most qualified candidates.
The Fire Science program is designed to train our students to become professionals in the field of firefighting. In addition to creating a rewarding experience for students, CMC's Fire Science program works closely with our local fire departments to identify and address their firefighting workforce needs. Knowing the needs of our local employers ensures you have a path to a fulfilling career after you graduate and provides you with the skill sets that best serve our local demographics.
To better achieve our common goals, CMC utilizes input from the local fire department to prioritize applications based on residency within the CMC district, personal skill sets, and likelihood of remaining in the local workforce following graduation. These admissions priorities may change from time-to-time based on continuing evaluation of the firefighting needs within the CMC district.
The Fire Academy provides students with the basic requirement of the State of Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control to test for Hazardous Materials – Operations and Fire Fighter I certifications.
Testing for these certifications is conducted through the State of Colorado. CMC will coordinate a testing session, but this testing is outside the limits of the classes and Fire Academy as taught through the college.
CMC will coordinate one written and one practical CDFPC test for both Firefighter I (FFI) and Haz-Mat Operations (HMO). There is an additional certification fee of $30 per written test.
Students are encouraged to visit Colorado Department of Public Safety to find the most current information on firefighter certification in the State of Colorado. Questions about this procedure or anything related to the CMC Fire Academy or Fire Science Technology Program should be directed to
Fire Science Program Chair Zak Miller.
SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW...
Participation is required in performing skills and demonstration of knowledge of topics as presented. The academy classes involve strenuous physical activity. All applicants are encouraged to start a physical fitness routine involving anaerobic and aerobic exercises in preparation for the academy. Applicants should reference the CPAT Test Preparation Guides for details on how to prepare at National Testing Network/CPAT Information.
Attendance is required for all class sessions. For details on schedules, contact the Fire Science Technology Program Coordinator before the first day of class. Extenuating circumstances regarding attendance must be discussed with the Lead Instructor of the academy.
CMC provides SCBA, bunker gear, Academy uniforms and other personal protective gear (via student fees). The first day of classes will be a course orientation, and further information/detail will be available.
The Academy has high academic and physical standards. Students must come prepared to excel in both. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these aspects, contact Fire Science Program Chair Zak Miller.
- Currently, we have more applications to the Fire Science program than available spots for new students. A supplemental application is required to help identify the most qualified candidates. Apply now and you will receive the supplemental application after submitted the CMC general application.
- The academy classes involve strenuous physical activity. All applicants are encouraged to start a physical fitness routine in preparation for the academy. Applicants should reference the CPAT Test Preparation Guides for details.
- The Academy has high academic and physical standards. Attendance is required for all class sessions.
- A physician reported medical form is required by the start of the academy. The form will be sent to the applicant accepted into that semesters academy.
- Students are encouraged to research the most current information on firefighter certification in the State of Colorado.
The Colorado Mountain College Fire Science Technology Program provides students, professional firefighters and others with a wide range of training and education. Starting a career or further developing one’s skills, knowledge and obtaining advanced certifications, we offer the high-quality training at one of the most affordable rates available.
Let us help you get going to answer the call.
Zak Miller
Fire Science Program Coordinator
zsmiller@coloradomtn.edu
928-951-0669
Apply to Colorado Mountain College, if you have not already done so.
There is a student fee for each fire academy student, in addition to tuition, for personal protective equipment (PPE) or the academy. Be sure this has been paid, along with all tuition costs or appropriate financial aid arrangements have been made. This equipment is essential to comply with the National Fire Protection Association’s standards for firefighter training. You cannot complete the Academy without proper PPE.