Fire Science Technology Program at CMC
Begin your path to becoming a fire fighter with our comprehensive, two-year AAS program
The Fire Science Technology program at Colorado Mountain College offers the latest in fire technology as well as extensive opportunities for hands-on experience with the tools of the firefighting trade. The Fire Science program is designed to prepare students for the fire service, either as a volunteer or career fire fighter.
You will learn the fundamentals of fire science, occupational health and safety, extrication, HazMat response, and leadership. The two-year AAS program provides comprehensive technical training in firefighting techniques, prevention and inspection, for your job or career.
Graduates of the program will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Technology.
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.
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.
"Colorado Mountain College provided me with the opportunity, skills, and knowledge to further engage in a firefighting career field that has taken me from small volunteer fire departments to a large, metropolitan agency and back again. I have witnessed, both here and abroad, a transformation of public safety from a primarily vocational job to an education-focused profession.”
-Chief Gary Green of the Red, White, and Blue Fire Department in Breckenridge, Colorado
Request Program Information
The Fire Science Technology (AAS) is offered at:
- Carbondale: Mostly in-person
- Leadville: Mostly in-person
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.
Program Learning Outcomes are what we expect each student will learn while earning a degree or certificate. Meeting these learning outcomes is how we assess our performance as a college. Our learning outcomes support both important career skills and future success as a student.
Upon completing the Fire Science Technology (AAS) program, CMC students will be able to:
- Apply Chemistry and Mathematics principles to solve fire protection problems.
- Evaluate flammables, combustible liquids and solids, and chemicals to use appropriate equipment and knowledge.
- Understand the characteristics of hazardous materials to ensure safe handling, transporting and storage, as well as how to deal effectively with spills and fires involving those items.
- Demonstrate basic principles to determine area of origin, cause of fire, and application of sound investigative principles.
- Demonstrate a proficiency in the use and application of firefighting equipment.
- Apply the principles of fire protection to solve safety problems within the community.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the administrative workings of a fire department including budget preparation, resource allocation, long-range planning, and fiscal projections.
- Identify standards related to health, safety, and fitness for fire fighters.
- Demonstrate basic firefighting skills and knowledge.
Learn the skills that will help you save lives and property with the Fire Science Technology degree from Colorado Mountain College
Protection of life and property is the primary function of the firefighter. Competition for jobs is keen and with today's sophisticated techniques and equipment, the modern firefighter must be well-educated in responding to the demands of the job.
Career and job opportunities exist within public and municipal fire services, in fire protection engineering, within state and federal agencies, and in education and private industry.
Colorado Mountain College Fire Science firefighting graduates can expect excellent employment opportunities and subsequent career advancement in the fire field.
Previous graduates have built outstanding employment records.
Possible Careers with Local Fire Departments & Districts
Check out local fire departments and districts for more information on possible careers:
- Carbondale and Rural Fire Protection District
- Colorado River Fire Rescue
- Eagle River Fire Protection District
- Glenwood Springs Fire Department
- Gypsum Fire Protection District
- Lake County Fire Department
- Red, White & Blue Fire Department
- Roaring Fork Fire Rescue
- Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue
- Summit Fire & EMS
- Vail Fire EMS