Fire Science

Welcome

Prospective Fire Fighter II Academy Student:

Thank you for your interest in Mendocino College’s Fire Fighter II Academy, FSC-90. We are excited about your interest in participating in this program, and hope that this orientation packet helps answer your questions and prepares you for success in this program.

Basic Facts

To enroll in the Fire Fighter II Academy, students must complete several prerequisite requirements and attend two mandatory orientation sessions. One of the most challenging prerequisites is obtaining a Public Safety-First Aid and CPR certification. I encourage students to begin this process as soon as possible to fulfill this State of California requirement. Information about these prerequisites is highlighted in the next section of this packet.

The Firefighter II Academy is made up of two core classes, FSC-90 Firefighter II Academy, and PE-280 Physical Fitness. Enrollment in both of these courses is required for participation.

Both classes will start on December 15, 2025, and are scheduled to run Monday through Friday from 7 am to 5 pm each day. Classes are estimated to end May 1^st, 2026, with a Capstone testing process at the College of the Siskiyous in Weed, California. (Capstone testing dates are subject to State Fire Training approval and are estimated)

Students are required to attend the academy every day. Students who miss more than 5% of a mandated subject matter or are absent for more than 24 hours are dropped from the course, per State Fire Training regulations. Students are required to pass the physical agility test with a score above 80% in order to complete the academy requirements. 

Mendocino College partners with the College of the Siskiyous for the final exam and Capstone testing of the courses. This structured, skill- and knowledge-based assessment testing process meets strict State Fire Training (SFT) requirements. After successfully passing these tests, students will receive their Fire Fighter I certificate. 

To participate, students are required to purchase academy uniforms, rent Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and pay for the course’s tuition costs. A complete listing of the equipment costs and tuition costs is listed later in this packet. Financial Aid is available to help students participate in this program. You will find more information about assistance later in this packet. 

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Mandatory Orientation: 

Attendance at BOTH Workshops Required

Friday, October 3rd, 2025, 8 am to 4 pm, Ukiah Campus

Saturday, November 8th, 2025, 8 am to 4 pm, Ukiah Campis

Class & Capstone Testing Dates: December 15 -  May 1st, 2026

Class Times: Monday thru Friday, 00 AM - 5:00 PM

Location: Mendocino College, Ukiah Campus, and other off-site Fire Agencies

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Prerequisites: 

The following pre-enrollment requirements must be completed to enroll in the class:

• Apply online as a Mendocino College student at:  https://www.mendocino.edu/  
  • This is unnecessary if you are a continuing student of Mendocino College or have been enrolled during the last two semesters. 
• Obtain a Fire Program Medical Clearance (less than one year old);

• Possess an EMT, or an EMR / Public Safety First Aid certification 
  • OR Proof of Current Enrollment
    • You can obtain these certifications in these College courses:
    • Mendocino College Course EMS 202 - First Aid / Emergency Care / CPR 
    • Mendocino College Course EMS 135 - Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

• Have the ability to pass the State Fire Training (STF) Physical Fitness Test

  Physical Fitness Baseline
• Attend BOTH of the mandatory orientation sessions.
  • Make sure to get on the notification list with cdewey@mendcino.edu 
  • 1st Workshop Friday, October 3rd, 2025 8 am to 1 pm
  • 2nd Workshop Saturday, November 8th, 2025 8 am to 1 pm

Return all documents to Mendocino College: Admissions and Records

Documents can be submitted by: 

Fax 707-468-3430

Scan and Email to: registration@mendocino.edu

Or hand deliver to:

North County Center - 372 E. Commercial Street, Willits

A&R, Ukiah Campus - 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah

Lake Center - 2565 Parallel Drive, Lakeport

Coast Center - 1211 Del Mar Drive, Fort Bragg

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Applicants must complete the application process and attend the scheduled orientation sessions to gain acceptance into the Fire Academy.

Spring 2026 Academy - Orientation Dates

• Mandatory Attendance at BOTH Workshops Required
  • 1st Workshop - Friday, October 3rd, 2025, 8 am to 4 pm
  • 2nd Workshop - Saturday, November 8th, 2025. 8 am to 4 pm

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Enrollment Fees, Materials, and Uniform Costs: 

Students must purchase their uniforms and some personal protective equipment (footwear, hoods, gloves, for health reasons). 

Rental Gear:

Students must rent wildland and structural turnouts, bunker boots, SCBAs, and other specific safety equipment. Specifications and sources for these items that student will rent is in this attached flyer:

Estimated Total Costs:

Course Fees, Course Materials, Purchased Uniforms, and Rented Gear 

Estimated Total: $4,286

Detailed Academy Costs:

Students will be responsible for the purchase of uniforms and the rental of their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), and Wildland Protective Gear, and student tuition costs and fees. This guide lists the estimated costs for this program, and suggested vendors.

Daily Class Uniform (Class “B” Uniform)

Physical Education Uniform

PPE, SCBA & Wildland Gear

Mendocino College has approved “911 Safety Equipment” as our official vendor for rental of Personal Protective Equipment, SCBA’s and Wildland gear. Students may use department issued gear, or are required to rent PPE, SCBA and Wildland Gear. The total cost for renting gear for the Fire Fighter Academy is $1,378, and students must also pay for shipping and a $100 dollar security deposit. See attached flyer for additional details and order online codes.

Personal Protective Equipment Specifications:

Wildland Boots: Black in color, heavy duty, lace‐type work boots with deeply lugged soles and heels (Vibram), and leather tops at least eight inches in height. The toe of the boot should be of hard material, such as hard leather, to reduce the potential of toe injuries. Steel toes are not required but do give added protection. Can be dual complaint boot. NFPA 1977

Structure Gear: If you are using department issued structure gear it must meet current standards and be inspected at orientation. Structure gear rental is available. See attached flyer.

SCBA: If using your department issued SCBA, it must be a SCOTT SCBA and you must show proof of fit testing. SCBA rental is available.

Fit testing will occur at orientation.

Tuition & Fees Costs

Total Course Cost Breakdown

Financial Aid

Financial Aid representatives will present at the first orientation session on Friday, October 3, 2025, to explain the available financial aid and scholarships.

Students are encouraged to visit the Financial Aid Office early (before the orientation sessions), to determine their eligibility and begin the application process.

To begin the financial aid process, students are encouraged to complete the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and the form can be found on the College’s Financial Aid website, under the “Apply for Financial Aid” tab:

https://www.mendocino.edu/enrollment-services/financial-aid/apply-financial-aid

The Financial Aid Office is open Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm, and is located in the MacMillan Hall, Room 1130, Ukiah Main Campus, 1000 Hensley Creek Road, Ukiah. Their phone number is 707-468-3110, and they can be contacted by email at financialaid@mendocino.edu 

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Once you’ve successfully completed the Academy and Capstone testing, you will meet the training requirements for the California State Fire Marshal Firefighter II. You will be able to apply for your Firefighter 2 certification after successful completion of the task book and experience requirement of:

• 1 year as a volunteer or reserve firefighter, or
• 6 months as an intern/full-time paid firefighter with a California fire department.

The California State Fire Marshal Fire Fighter I and Fire Fighter II curriculum is Nationally Accredited by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) and the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board). Students who complete the Academy and Experience requirements can apply for both National Certification and California Certification.