State Fire Training

[rescue90]

I'm curious as to every state's requirements to become a "structural-qualified" volunteer firefighter, entry-level.

Pennsylvania just raised the Essentials of Firefighting Program from 88 hours to 166 hours (breaking it into 4 modules).

How many hours are required for other states? I'm seeing some resistance to this in PA, but we've killed more firefighters than every other state for too long. Sure, training is only part of the problem, but it's a start.

If you don't mind, post your state's "fundamentals of firefighting" hours. I'd like to make a comparison.

[SIXand17]

Virginia

The training cirriculums developed by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs don’t decipher between volunteer and career personnel. Here are a few basic courses offered, with the basis for nearly everything being Firefighter I:

Firefighter Level I
Description: An entry level course for new firefighters. Course consists of a combination of classroom study, scenarios and modular practical experiences that will prepare the firefighter to carry out most fireground functions under the direct supervision of an officer or experienced firefighter. The scenarios are designed to train the student in realistic fireground operations.
Prerequisites: Students must be at least 16 years of age in order to complete all aspects of the course. Junior Firefighters must comply with all Junior Firefighters pre-requisites as defined by Department of Labor and Industry standards.
Equip. Req: Full turnout gear and SCBA
Hours: 99

Firefighter Level II
Description: A course designed for the Firefighter I who is prepared to assume more of a leadership role in a department. Course consists primarily of classes designed to give the student more knowledge of fireground situations so that he or she can make basic evaluations of safety problems and assume leadership roles in carrying out interior attack and search operations. Hazardous Materials Operations is required to prepare the students to participate in defensive leak and spill control operations.
Prerequisites: Must be certified as Firefighter I (Including Hazardous Materials Awareness or Hazardous Materials Operations). Junior Firefighter must currently be certified at Firefighter Level I to participate.
Equip. Req: Full turnout gear and SCBA
Hours: 40

Fire Attack Essentials
Description: A course designed for entry level firefighters with a minimum of experience. Fire Attack Essentials provides the basic information and skills necessary to meet the requirements of NFPA1001, Essentials of Firefighting. The Virginia Department of Fire Programs has adopted these standards as the minimum requirements prior to being able to participate in live burn activities. The course teaches the basic fundamentals of fire fighting training evolutions. No live burn is associated with this course
Prerequisites: Must be 16 years or older and meet the Junior Firefighter pre-requisites (Section 7, VDFP Instructor Manual)
Equip. Req: Full turnout gear, PASS Device, SCBA with spare bottle
Hours: 16
Standard/Reg: Based upon NFPA 1001.
Special Note: This is not a certification course. Students will receive training hours and a Certificate of Attendance. Hours may be used towards Firefighter Level I certification modules

Fire Attack Intermediate
Description: A course designed for the beginning through seasoned Firefighter. Introduces the basic fundamentals of the TEAM concept building on information gathered from Fire Attack Essentials course. No live burn is associated with this course
Prerequisites: Fire Attack Essentials or Firefighter Level I certification. Junior Firefighters must meet the pre-requisites prior to admission.
Equip. Req: Full turnout gear, PASS Device, SCBA with spare bottle
Hours: 19

Fire Attack Evolutions
Description: A course designed for the beginning through seasoned Firefighter. Introduces the basic fundamentals of the TEAM concept building on information gathered from Fire Attack Essentials and Intermediate course. A live burn in an approved Burn Building is a part of this training exercise.
Prerequisites: Fire Attack Essentials and Intermediate or Firefighter Level I. Junior Firefighter must currently be certified at Firefighter Level I to participate.
Equip. Req: Full turnout gear, PASS Device, SCBA with spare bottle
Hours: 16

Fire Attack: Integrated Fire Ground Operations
Description: A course designed to utilize the engine company operations for fire suppression operations. Each student will be required to perform various duties such as interior fire attack, ventilation, rescue, safety officer and incident commander. The scenarios will begin at a staging area and will carry through to the fire scene. This will allow the student to size up the situation formulate a strategy and implement tactics in a safe manner. Parts of this program are conducted at night.
Prerequisites: Fire Attack Essentials and Intermediate or Firefighter I is required. Junior Firefighter must currently be certified at Firefighter Level I to participate.
Equip. Req: Full turnout gear, PASS Device, SCBA with spare bottle
Hours: 16

More reading and detailed course descriptions: http://www.vafire.com/courses_revised.htm (http://www.vafire.com/courses_revised.htm)