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Programs & Training

When seconds count — training matters. The West Virginia University Fire Service Extension is a leader in providing critical, high-quality training to the state’s emergency responders.

Aircraft Rescue Firefighting

The aircraft rescue firefighting program is an intense, hands-on class that will require participants to participate in simulated, realistic live-fire exercises. This training is presented to municipal airport fire fighters and other interested fire departments in compliance with FAA Part 139. It’s available nationwide, including for disaster drills and tactical law enforcement training.

  • Simulated wheel, engine and cabin fires.
  • Simulated large pit fire that measures 1350 square feet.
  • Simulated shut down procedures in cockpit of the aircraft.
  • Operation of throttle and fire bottles and battery maneuvers.

Alterative Fueled Vehicle Training

The alternative fueled vehicle training course is a hands-on learning experience that covers key topics related to incidents involving hybrid and electric vehicles, including personal transportation such as scooters and electric bicycles. 
  • Learn key strategies and tactics for dealing with EV/hybrid vehicle incidents (both fire and non-fire), receive sample SOPs/SOGs that can be use within your own organizations, and review specific case studies to stress learning objectives.
  • Training includes a hybrid demo vehicle and an optional lithium-ion battery burn.
  • The course has four variants to meet your specific needs – Awareness Class (3.5 to 4 hours); Awareness Class + Live Battery Burn (5 to 6 hours); Awareness + Operations (10.5 to 12 hours); Awareness + Operations + Live Battery Burn (12 to 14.5 hours)

Confined Space Training

Industrial Fire Brigade Training

When business or industry is faced with fires, accidents, and other facility related emergencies, training programs offered by the WVU Fire Service Extension are designed to address these specific industry needs ensure responders are prepared.

  • National certification courses include NFPA 1081, Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade, Professional Qualifications and NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications
  • Customized courses can be designed to meet your training needs, including incipient stage firefighting, interior and exterior firefighting, hazardous materials mitigation, confined space rescue, rope rescue, incident command system and incident safety officer training.

Kidde Fire Training Props

Mobile Fire Training Unit

This training unit challenges firefighters with smoke, flames, sights, sounds and obstacles common in commercial and residential structure fires.

  • Two stories and 53 feet long.
  • Controlled from an observation room by a lead instructor who can shut down the operations and ventilate the unit’s interior within 45 to 60 seconds.
  • Fueled by clean-burning propane that generates benign smoke that does not disturb the community.

ProBoard Certification

ProBoard recognized certification means that the individual knows that he or she meets rigorous national standards and affords them uniformity and portability of qualifications. The certifications we offer are:

  • Firefighter (1001) — Firefighter 1, 2
  • Driver/Operator (1002) — Pumper, Aerial
  • Rescue Technician (1006) — Rope, Surface Water, Vehicle and Machinery and Confined Space
  • Fire Officer (1021) — Fire Officer 1, 2
  • Fire Investigator (1033) — Fire Investigator
  • Fire Instructor (1041) — Fire Instructor 1, 2, 3
  • Industrial Fire Brigade Member (1081) — Incipient, Advanced Exterior, Interior Structural and Fire Brigade Leader
  • Hazardous Materials (472) — Responder Awareness and Operational, Technician and Incident Commander

Request Training

If interested in any of our programs and services, please contact us at  304-269-0875 or 1-866-WVU-FIRE (988-3473).

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