Fire Science is an especially important field of study in California, as the state often faces devastating wildfires. Through this program at Mendocino College, you can explore career paths such as that of a firefighter, fire investigator, or EMT, in addition to many others.
Fire Science is an especially important field of study in California, as the state often faces devastating wildfires. Through this program at Mendocino College, you can explore career paths such as those of a firefighter, fire investigator, or EMT, in addition to many others.
Fire Science
Now Recruiting for Spring 2026 - Fire Fighter I Academy
Description:
Our Firefighter 1 Academy is offered through partnerships with the Mendocino County Fire Chiefs Association, the Ukiah Valley Fire District, and CalFire. Mendocino College collaborates with the College of the Siskiyous (an Accredited Regional Training Program) to offer Capstone testing to Mendocino College Firefighter 1 Academy graduates.
This course will give students the skills and knowledge needed for the entry-level professional firefighter to perform their duties safely, effectively, and competently.
For more information and an enrollment packet, contact Chris Dewey at cdewey@mendocino.edu.
Program Information
Mandatory Orientation: Fall Semester 2025, Ukiah Campus
Class Dates: January - May 2026
Class Times: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Mendocino College, Ukiah Campus, and other off-site Fire Agencies
Dates to be determined
State Fire Training Fire Fighter 1 Prerequisites and Curriculum
Prerequisites: The following pre-enrollment requirements must be completed to enroll in the class:
- Apply online as a Mendocino College student at: https://www.mendocino.edu/
- This is unnecessary if you are a continuing student of Mendocino College or have been enrolled during the last two semesters.
- Obtain a Fire Program Medical Clearance (less than one year old);
- Possess an EMT, or an EMR / Public Safety First Aid certification.
- You can obtain these certifications in these College courses:
- Mendocino College Course EMS 202 - First Aid / Emergency Care / CPR
- Mendocino College Course EMS 135 - Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Complete IS100, IS200, IS700, and IS800 certifications.
- These certifications can be obtained for free by visiting FEMA
- https://training.fema.gov/nims/
Have the ability to pass the State Fire Training (STF) Physical Fitness Test
- Attend BOTH of the mandatory orientation sessions.
- Make sure to get on the notification list with cdewey@mendcino.edu
- Fall of 2025 Orientation Dates will be announced soon.
Return all documents to Mendocino College: Admissions and Records
Documents can be submitted by:
Fax 707-468-3430
Scan and Email to: registration@mendocino.edu
Or hand deliver to:
North County Center - 372 E. Commercial Street, Willits
A&R, Ukiah Campus - 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah
Lake Center - 2565 Parallel Drive, Lakeport
Coast Center - 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg
Applicants must complete the application process and attend the scheduled orientation sessions to gain acceptance into the Fire Academy.
Spring 2026 Academy - Orientation Dates
- Fall Semester 2025 (Mandatory Attendance Required)
Dates to be determined
Enrollment Fees, Material and Uniform Costs: Students must purchase their uniforms and some personal protective equipment (footwear, hoods, gloves, for health reasons).
Rental Gear:
Students must rent wildland and structural turnouts, bunker boots, SCBAs, and other specific safety equipment. Specifications and sources for these items that student will rent is in this attached flyer:
Estimated Total Costs:
Course Fees, Course Materials, Purchased Uniforms, and Rented Gear
Estimated Total: $4,000
Financial Aid: Some students may be eligible to receive financial aid. Financial Assistance may be an option for students seeking assistance. Learn more about seeking financial assistance by by visiting the Mendocino College Financial Aid Office.
Once you’ve successfully completed the Academy and Capstone testing, you will meet the training requirements for the California State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1. You will be able to apply for your Firefighter 2 certification after successful completion of the task book and experience requirement of:
- 1 year as a volunteer or reserve firefighter, or
- 6 months as an intern/full-time paid firefighter with a California fire department.
The California State Fire Marshal Firefighter 1 and 2 curriculum is Nationally Accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board). Students who complete the Academy and Experience requirements can apply for National Certification in addition to California Certification.
