The Fire Science Program is designed to prepare students for a career in the fire service as well as for career advancement. Instruction includes fire suppression, fire investigation, fire prevention, emergency and rescue systems, emergency response, hazardous materials, officer training, supervision, and coordination with other agencies. Basic firefighting skills which include orientation and safety, introduction to the history of fire departments and todays fire service as a career, fundamentals of fire behavior, building construction, personal protective equipment, department communication, IMS and accountability, extinguishers, water supply, fire stream, fire hose, ropes and knots, ground ladders, fire control, ventilation, rescue/search and auto extrication, loss control, fire detection, alarms and suppression systems, hazardous materials, first aid, and fire prevention/public education. Fire service careers include firefighting; administration; fire inspection, building codes, and investigation; fire equipment sales andrepair; fire science education, testing, and certification; and emergency medical services within the fire service. The public safetysectors are growing along with the rapidly increasing population of Washington State, especially in Snohomish County. The majority ofentry-level positions in Washington State are part-time, which are an entryway to more competitive, full-time positions. Most firedepartments require EMT and Firefighter Academy certificates prior to employment. Students who also complete the Fire Science AAST degree gain a further competitive edge in applying for available positions in Washington and other states, and with this degree, willhave further promotion opportunities once employed.