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Honolulu Community College

Public Safety

Fire & Environmental Emergency Response

Fire & Environmental Emergency Response

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Upon completion of this program, you’ll have a competitive edge and the skill set necessary for a successful career in the fire services field.

About the Program

Today’s fire professionals do more than fight fires. If you’re interested in fire prevention, emergency response, or fire investigation, our Fire and Environmental Emergency Response (FIRE) program is perfect for you. Our program is designed to meet your needs whether you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, or if you are already employed in fire services and want to increase your knowledge and skills.

This is the only college-level FIRE training program on O‘ahu. This program will give you an opportunity to receive ProBoard Certifications in Hazardous Materials and Firefighter, as well as National Registry Certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. You’ll also be able to apply for a fire recruit position as a Student Trainee through the Pathways Program with the federal government. In addition, certifications earned in the program can make you eligible as a higher-level recruitment candidate with the Honolulu Fire Department.

Some FIRE courses are offered through distance education. However, the hands-on courses are offered in-person.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes are program goals that describe what you will gain from this learning experience. They are located in the program descriptions in the College Catalog.

Technical Standards

Technical Standards describe some of the essential mental, physical, and behavioral skills that are necessary for successful participation in and completion of courses in this curriculum.

Thinking Skills

General

Apply proper principles and strategies in fire fighting, protection, and prevention.

Specific
  • Read and comprehend national and local codes used in fire prevention.
  • Explain scientific principles of combustion, fire behavior and hydraulics.
  • Follow proper procedures for fire inspection and investigation.
  • Use mathematical formulas and equations.
  • Identify fire problems and appropriate prevention and suppression tactics.
  • Determine fire ground management strategies for financial, physical and facility resources.

Sensory/Observation Skills

General

Assess environment and facilities for fire prevention and safety.

Specific
  • Scan for hazard indicators.
  • Distinguish pumps, hydrants, and related apparatuses.
  • Survey for hazardous substances.
  • Detect warning signals.
  • Select appropriate materials and tools for task.
  • Judge distances and spatial relationships of objects.
  • Distinguish basic colors.

Motor Skills

General

Possess sufficient physical strength, flexibility, and dexterity to participate in lab activities (labs are elective).

Specific
  • Practice medical skills used in emergencies.
  • Maneuver in confined spaces.
  • Work at varying heights.
  • Climb ladders or ropes.
  • Regain balance in unstable positions.
  • Suit up in protective gear.
  • Participate in outdoor hands-on field training in fire suppression.
  • Manipulate heavy tools and equipment appropriately for fire suppression.

Communication Skills

General

Communicate effectively to gather and convey information.

Specific
  • Obtain necessary information from oral and written sources.
  • Express information coherently.

Behavioral Skills

General

Behave appropriately and safely in a shared learning environment.

Specific
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Work cooperatively with partners and groups.
  • Follow through with individual and shared responsibilities.
  • Exercise good judgement.
  • Follow safety procedures.

Environmental Tolerance

General

Function safely in an indoor/outdoor lab environment (labs are elective).

Specific

Work for prolonged periods amidst: Extreme noise, Extreme heat, Sharp tools and materials, Electrical equipment, Chemicals and toxins, Dust and fumes, Machinery with moving parts, Moving objects and vehicles, Ladders and scaffolding, Slippery or uneven surfaces, Variations in lighting

In addition to the Tuition, other costs include:

  • Textbooks: Approximately $200–$300 per semester.
  • Fees: Approximately $1,000 for clothing rental and equipment purchase for 280A, 280B, and 280C.
  1. Apply to Honolulu Community College.
  2. Prerequisite:
  • Associate in Applied Science: Placement in ENG 100; MATH 50 OR Placement in MATH 150 or higher
  • Certificate of Achievement: Placement in ENG 100; Placement in MATH 24/50
Degrees & Certificates Offered
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
  • Certificate of Achievement (CA)
Course Information

Careers

Many of our Fire and Environmental Emergency Response graduates have gone on to careers in the occupations listed below:

Visit the Hawaii Career Explorer website for more information.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

First, complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you are eligible for financial assistance which may help to cover your tuition and possibly additional costs, such as cosmetology tools. For more information about Financial Aid and FAFSA, visit Paying for College.

Next, see if you may qualify for Scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of merit, academic performance, and/or financial need. View the Scholarships page for available scholarships.

Get Started

HonCC offers more than 23 academic programs offering 22 associate degrees and 31 certificates to prepare you for a lifetime of meaningful work.

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