California is a state renowned for many things. But, did you know that record-setting fires was one of those? In fact, in 2020 over 2 million acres burned creating exponential financial and environmental damages. In a state that has millions of residents and a booming agriculture and viticulture economy, the need for people to protect our lands is greater than ever.
Whether you are currently serving as a fire professional and are looking to advance your skills to acquire a promotion, or are looking to begin a career in fire service, Allan Hancock College's wildland fire technology program will provide you with the skills you need.
Hancock's wildland fire technology program provides high quality educational opportunities that enhance a student’s understanding of the wildland fire service fields. Students in the program learn the fundamentals of safety and efficiency in emergency and fire situations, as well as analyze the causes of fires and how to fight them. All courses are delivered in a convenient completely online fashion to assist those students already in the workplace.
Career opportunities that would be available to students with a degree in Wildland Fire Technology include full-time municipal professional firefighter, full-time career wildland firefighter, seasonal firefighter, United States Forrest Service (USFS), California Department of Forestry (Cal Fire) and wildland fire hand crews.
Hancock’s wildland fire technology program is looking for highly motivated and disciplined students who thrive in a team environment. If you are ready to work hard, embark on a path of maturity, intelligence, and skill building and learn to put the team before yourself, then enroll today!
This program will help you to:
- develop skill sets necessary for a successful career in the Wildland Fire Services
- understand wildland fire behavior
- learn how fuel type, weather, and topography affect wildland and urban interface environments
- increase your physical and mental fitness
- develop humility, maturity, and accountability
- understand the importance of dedication to team and self
- become a more competent public speaker
- demonstrate the skill set necessary for a successful career in fire service, environmental technology, and/or emergency medical services
- understand federal and state laws, regulations and codes pertaining to safety and efficiency in all risk emergencies and scenarios pertaining to fire, safety, and/or medical services
- gain exposure to wildland incident planning, logistics and finance positions of an Incident Management Team (IMT).
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. Courses you have already taken may apply towards a Certificate or Degree. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Summer Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL 101 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Total Units:
4
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: EMT Basic or Paramedic or Public Safety First Aid and CPR as defined by California Health and Safety Code, Section 1797.182, NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency.
Technical and manipulative training in concepts of fire department organization and operations. Includes fire behavior, ICS, building construction, safety, rescue, ropes and knots, ladders, low angle rope rescue, hose and appliances, personal protective equipment, and accountability.
Prerequisite: NOTE: Approval of equivalent training is not a guarantee state regulatory or licensing agencies will also grant equivalency. Prior to beginning this course students must already be familiar with, and be able to demonstrate all of the entrance skills listed. These will not be taught in the course; rather, they will be the starting point for advanced officer training that builds upon them. FT 307
Technical and manipulative training in concepts of fire service operations. Includes hazardous materials, wildland firefighting, fire protection systems, fire investigation, tactics, loss prevention and overhaul, vehicle extrication, ventilation, Flammable Liquids and Gas firefighting, forcible entry, structural firefighting and rescue operations.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
Advisories: WFT 302
A study of wildland fire behavior. Topics include influences that affect basic wildland fire behavior, the seven factors that must be continuously monitored in making wildland fire behavior predictions, and identification of the tools necessary to make spot fire behavior predictions.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC graduation
requirement of area 4B: Communication and Analytical Thinking.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321; or select one course from
this list.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Total Units:
12 -17
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: WFT 302
An exploration of the situations and conditions that result in fire shelter deployments, serious injuries and fatalities for wildland firefighters. (F)
Advisories: WFT 302
An exploration of the command structure and operational processes for ground and air operations in the control of wildland fires.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC Math Competency requirement.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321
Total Units:
15-16
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: WFT 302
Presents the roles and functions of the information officer, emphasizing fire prevention and investigation communications.
Advisories: WFT 302
Explores the roles, responsibilities and functions of the planning, logistics, and finance sections that are utilized during the control of wildland fires.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; ES 105, 120; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information. Courses you have already taken may apply towards a Certificate or Degree.
A major of 30 units is required for the associate of science degree.
Required core courses (15 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
WFT 101 | Wildland Fire Behavior | 3 |
WFT 102 | Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival | 3 |
WFT 103 | Wildland Fire Operations | 3 |
WFT 104 | Wildland Public Information Officer, Prevention, and Investigation | 3 |
WFT 105 | Wildland Fire Planning, Logistics, and Finance | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 15 units selected from the following:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1 - 8 |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. Courses you have already taken may apply towards a Certificate or Degree. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Summer Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A writing course designed primarily to meet the needs of students pursuing career and technical programs. Meets the written composition graduation requirement for an AHC associate's degree. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution will need to take ENGL 101 instead of this course to meet the university's first-year composition requirement. Readings will be drawn from the disciplines involved so that students master comprehension and critical reading skills in real-world texts. Writing assignments and projects will similarly be based upon the types of critical thinking and analytical writing required in the students' fields of study. Research methods and skills will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Total Units:
4
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: WFT 302
A study of wildland fire behavior. Topics include influences that affect basic wildland fire behavior, the seven factors that must be continuously monitored in making wildland fire behavior predictions, and identification of the tools necessary to make spot fire behavior predictions.
Advisories: WFT 302
An exploration of the situations and conditions that result in fire shelter deployments, serious injuries and fatalities for wildland firefighters. (F)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Total Units:
15
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: WFT 302
An exploration of the command structure and operational processes for ground and air operations in the control of wildland fires.
Advisories: WFT 302
Presents the roles and functions of the information officer, emphasizing fire prevention and investigation communications.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC graduation
requirement of area 4B: Communication and Analytical Thinking.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321; or select one course from
this list.
Select one course from this list.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
Total Units:
15-18
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: WFT 302
Explores the roles, responsibilities and functions of the planning, logistics, and finance sections that are utilized during the control of wildland fires.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; ES 105, 120; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Choose one of the following courses:
- EMS 102, First Aid and Safety
- FSN 109, Basic Nutrition for Health
- HED 100, Health and Wellness
- HUSV 126, Meditation, Mindfulness, and Stress Reduction
Total Units:
12
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the AHC Math Competency requirement.
Recommended courses: MATH 100, 105, 123, 135, 181, 321
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
12.5-15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information. Courses you have already taken may apply towards a Certificate or Degree.
A major of 30 units is required for the associate of science degree.
Required core courses (15 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
WFT 101 | Wildland Fire Behavior | 3 |
WFT 102 | Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival | 3 |
WFT 103 | Wildland Fire Operations | 3 |
WFT 104 | Wildland Public Information Officer, Prevention, and Investigation | 3 |
WFT 105 | Wildland Fire Planning, Logistics, and Finance | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 15 units selected from the following:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1 - 8 |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. Courses you have already taken may apply towards a Certificate or Degree. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: WFT 302
A study of wildland fire behavior. Topics include influences that affect basic wildland fire behavior, the seven factors that must be continuously monitored in making wildland fire behavior predictions, and identification of the tools necessary to make spot fire behavior predictions.
Advisories: WFT 302
An exploration of the situations and conditions that result in fire shelter deployments, serious injuries and fatalities for wildland firefighters. (F)
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
Total Units:
9
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: WFT 302
An exploration of the command structure and operational processes for ground and air operations in the control of wildland fires.
Advisories: WFT 302
Presents the roles and functions of the information officer, emphasizing fire prevention and investigation communications.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
Total Units:
9
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: WFT 302
Explores the roles, responsibilities and functions of the planning, logistics, and finance sections that are utilized during the control of wildland fires.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
Total Units:
6
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6.0 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3.0 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3.0 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3.0 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3.0 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3.0 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3.0 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1.0 - 8.0 units |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6.0 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7.0 |
Total Units:
6
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information. Courses you have already taken may apply towards a Certificate or Degree.
A total of 30 units is required for the certificate.
Required core courses (15 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
WFT 101 | Wildland Fire Behavior | 3 |
WFT 102 | Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival | 3 |
WFT 103 | Wildland Fire Operations | 3 |
WFT 104 | Wildland Public Information Officer, Prevention, and Investigation | 3 |
WFT 105 | Wildland Fire Planning, Logistics, and Finance | 3 |
Plus a minimum of 15 units selected from the following:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
EMS 301 | Emergency Medical Services Academy- 1A | 6 |
FT 101 | Fire Protection Organization | 3 |
FT 102 | Fire Prevention Technology | 3 |
FT 103 | Fire Protection Equipment and Systems | 3 |
FT 104 | Building Construction for Fire Protection | 3 |
FT 105 | Fire Behavior and Combustion | 3 |
FT 106 | Principles of Fire & Emergency Safety & Survival | 3 |
FT 149 | Cooperative Work Experience: Occupational | 1 - 8 |
FT 307 | Firefighter I Academy IA | 6 |
FT 308 | Firefighter 1 Academy IB | 7 |
Programs you may also be interested in exploring...
Contact Information
John Ceceña
Fire Technology Faculty john.cecena@hancockcollege.edu
805-735-3366 ext. 5246
Azhane' Griggs
azhane.griggs@hancockcollege.edu
805-735-3366 ext. 3282
Accreditation Information
Allan Hancock College is an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP) and the Fire Academy is part of the California State Fire Marshal’s accreditation. Since 1972 we have taught Firefighter-1 classes through our 609-hour certified Fire Academy program.
The Firefighter 1 Academy is a California State Fire Marshal certified academy that meets all the requirements in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 for entry level firefighters. Our academy is the foundation for a career in the fire service. The Certification Training Standards for Firefighter 1 are followed and signed off as you complete each block of instruction. Certification exams require a passing score of at least 80 percent and manipulative exams require a score of 100 percent.