MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Fire Suppression

Course: FSC113

First Term: 1998 Fall

Lecture 3 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 3 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Characteristics and behavior of fire, fire hazard properties of ordinary materials, extinguishing agents, fire suppression organization and equipment, basic fire fighting tactics, and public relations as affected by fire suppression

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Define the major terms and components of fire chemistry. (I) 2. Identify flammable liquids and describe how they react under fire conditions. (I) 3. Describe the five types of structures as classified in the Uniform Building Code. (II) 4. Identify the seven types of occupancies, and describe the particular firefighting problems presented by each. (II) 5. Explain the functions of various types of fire apparatus and the equipment that each carries. (III) 6. Describe the main tactical considerations for structural fires. (IV) 7. Explain the decision-making process used on the fireground. (IV) 8. Describe the basic components of a coordinated fire attack in at least three types of structures. (IV) 9. Explain the relationship between effective fire suppression activities and positive public relations. (V)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Chemistry of fire and flammable liquids A. Tetrahedron of fire B. Products of combustion C. Methods of heat transfer D. Classes of fire E. Stages of burning F. Flame spread G. Flashover H. Backdraft I. Flammable liquids 1. Classifications 2. Flash point 3. Ignition temperature 4. Boiling point 5. Vapor density 6. Explosive limits 7. Specific gravity II. Structural or building types A. Uniform building code classifications 1. Type I 2. Type II 3. Type III 4. Type IV 5. Type V B. Structural framework 1. Interior 2. Exterior C. Building occupancies 1. Assembly 2. Educational 3. Institutional 4. Residential 5. Mercantile 6. Business 7. Industrial III. Fire suppression apparatus and equipment A. Functions of engine companies 1. Types of apparatus 2. Tank and pump delivery systems 3. Hose and equipment B. Functions of tankers C. Functions of ladder companies 1. Types of apparatus 2. Needs assessment of community D. Functions of other specialized apparatus 1. Quick attack vehicle 2. Brush truck 3. Utility vehicle 4. Command vehicles 5. Others E. Hose lay practices F. Fire stream practices G. Ladder and other support practices IV. Tactical procedures A. Size-up B. Tactical considerations 1. Rescue 2. Confinement 3. Extinguishment 4. Support operations 5. Overhaul C. Decision making 1. Facts 2. Probabilities 3. Current situation 4. Safety 5. Plan of attack D. Coordination of fire attack 1. Residential structures 2. Mobile homes 3. Commercial buildings 4. Others E. Special hazards in firefighting V. Public relations in fire suppression A. Minimizing damage B. Driving to and from calls C. Public fire education D. Conduct of firefighting personnel

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 5/26/1998

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.