LTCC Fire Academy

LTCCFA Final Exams_Winter 2024
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In order to attend the Fire Academy at the start of Fall, students must successfully complete the program’s prerequisites, including orientation, which can be found at the bottom of this page. Connect with an LTCCFA staff member with questions.
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Fire Academy
The Lake Tahoe Community College Fire Academy prepares bright, committed, service-oriented students for sustainable careers in fire suppression and management. LTCCFA cadets receive comprehensive hands-on training from working professionals who share their passion with students for this critical work. Cadets will graduate from the program well prepared to work in wildland or structural firefighting organizations at the federal, state, and local levels, obtaining the licenses and certifications needed to enter the work force right away.
 
The Fire Academy is offered through partnerships with the City of South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue, Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District, and the Lake Valley Fire Protection District. LTCC is recognized by the California State Fire Marshal and the State Board of Fire Services as an Accredited Regional Training Program (ARTP).
 
The Fire Academy follows a two-quarter Fall/Winter format, enabling LTCCFA cadets to complete their training and graduate just before fire season begins. This timing positions them perfectly to secure employment and kickstart their careers in fire service.

LTCCFA FAQ

You will receive a certificate of completion for the training hours required by the State Fire Marshal's Office for Firefighter I, along with Fire Service Training & Education Program (FSTEP) and National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certificates in several areas. After completing our program, you must successfully complete the Firefighter 1 Certification Examination. At that time, you will be eligible to apply for the actual Firefighter I certificate through the Fire Marshal's Office with the approval of a California Fire Chief.
Anyone completing a Firefighter I academy must successfully complete a skills and written examination process before they can become certified. The evaluators for the testing process must be certified by the California State Fire Training and must be different than the instructors who taught at your fire academy. More information will be provided during the orientation class.
Students who are accepted into the program should expect to meet on Wednesdays at LTCC's campus in room G6, and on Fridays and Saturdays in Carson City, NV (approximately 30 miles from campus) at the Regional Training Facility from 7am-6pm each week. The Fire Academy can help coordinate transportation for cadets who need assistance.
Applicants who plan to enter the Fire Academy are first REQUIRED to take FIR170K class.

Need program details? View the Course Catalog for complete requirements and the Program Map for your personalized course planning guide.

FIRE ACADEMY

  • Completion of HEA-140E (Emergency Medical Technician) with a "B" grade or better; or equivalent EMT course certificate of completion.
  • FIR-170K: LTCC Fire Academy Orientation Class (1.75 units). Successful completion is required to gain Instructor consent to enroll.
  • Pass the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT): The recognized standard for measuring a person's ability to handle the physical demands of being a firefighter. The timed test measures how candidates handle eight separate events that are designed to mirror real-world tasks on the job.
  • Complete NIMS ICS 100, 200, 700 & 800 trainings: National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) trainings are free, self-paced, online courses offered through FEMA.
  • Obtain a physician's clearance: this standard physical and medical clearance is required for participation in the Fire Academy.

The LTCC Fire Academy Orientation Class, FIR-170K, is a mandatory prerequisite to ensure students are willing, ready, and able to complete the Fire Academy program beginning in the fall. Successful completion is required to gain Instructor consent to enroll in the academy, which will then be valid for two academic years, ensuring students have ample time to complete the necessary training and other prerequisites before entering the Fire Academy program. This orientation provides an overview of program expectations, physical and academic demands, and the commitment required to succeed in the academy.

Winter Orientation

  • January 22-25, 2026

Spring Orientation

  • April 23-26, 2026

 

There are A NUMBER OF STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS that you can apply for each spring. Scholarships make it possible to earn money for college that does not ever need to be repaid. While some of LTCC's scholarships are competitive, there is a wide variety available you can apply for for free that are awarded based on all kinds of qualities and interests.

Have a question?

We’re just a call or email away:

Lake Tahoe Community College
One College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Fire Academy Info
(530) 541-4660 x 211


 

 

Fire Academy
Staff
  • photo of Captain Pat Hughes, director of the Fire Academy
    Pat Hughes
    Fire Academy Director
  • photo of Carlie Murphy
    Carlie Murphy
    Director of Forestry, Fire & Public Safety