About Fire Technology

A Fire Technology programme provides advanced training and education for individuals who are, or will become, leaders in fire protection, prevention and administration. Effective fire technologists continually improve the world in which we live, making it a safer place and reducing the misery that uncontrolled fire can cause. The Fire Technology program focuses on the practical knowledge and skills needed to effectively and safely prevent, fight and investigate fires. Firefighters, fire code inspectors and fire investigators protect lives and property through their understanding of fire prevention and control. Fire Technology is planned to help students meet the professional standards established by the National Fire Protection Association.

　　

Is Fire Technology right for me?

Were you the child who wanted to be a firefighter when you grew up? Are you good at making split-second decisions, staying calm in a crisis and are a team player, then a career in Fire Technology is a great fit for you! Fire Technology is designed to prepare you for entering the field of firefighting and fire prevention.

　　

Fire Technology study options and costs

　　An associate’s degree program is an applied science degree allowing students to transition early on into the job market. Students often pursue this degree before seeking a bachelor’s degree in fire science. It is designed to help students understand the causes of fires, how to respond to them, how firefighting teams work and much more. The fire technology associate degree is a two-year programme that prepares you to go directly into a specialised career in fire services and the average tuition cost is $20,040.

　　You may also choose to continue your education toward earning a bachelor's degree. By choosing a focused degree path, you can improve the chances of you securing a managerial position. Learning business and strategic aspects of fire services will better prepare you for administrative roles.

　　

Future outlook

As the population constantly grows, so does the need to commission new housing projects. Despite advancements in fire technology, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported over 400,000 structure fires in the year 2019, which caused about 12 billion dollars in damages. According to the CTIF World Fire Statistics Centre, between the years 1993 and 2018, fire has been responsible for a staggering 41,700 deaths. In the UK, 204,525 fires were reported in 2018 alone. To ensure the protection of life and property, fire engineers were introduced into the fray to avoid or, at worst, reduce the damages caused to structures and society in the event of a fire.

　　The average annual wage for fire technologist is $65,555 in May 2021. Employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030. Furthermore, about 21,000 job openings are projected for fire inspectors, every year, this decade.

　　

Career pathways for Fire Technology graduates

　　

Firefighters

　　Firefighters are tasked with driving fire trucks, putting out fires, and rescuing people from fires and other emergencies.  According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), average annual salary for firefighters is $50,850.

　　

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) provider

　　People who work in this capacity provide acute care and transportation to patients before they arrive at the hospital for further treatment. The average annual salary for EMS providers is $35,400.

　　

Fire Protection Engineer

　　Fire protection engineers seek to prevent fires in the first place by inspecting buildings and building plans to identify possible risks.  The average annual salary for this occupation is $85,000.

　　

Public Safety Telecommunicator

　　Public safety telecommunications (emergency dispatchers) are responsible for coordinating and overseeing the activities of first responders.  The average annual salary for this profession is $44,310.