Fire Prevention
Train for work in public fire departments or private industry with a degree in fire prevention from Chemeketa.
topics Social Service
Skills & InterestProblem Solving
CareersSocial Sciences
Why choose Fire Prevention?
Whether you're starting your journey or advancing your career, our Fire Prevention–Community Risk Reduction program offers flexible pathways to fit your goals. Begin with the Basic Certificate to build foundational knowledge in fire safety and prevention. Continue with the Intermediate Certificate for more in-depth training in fire codes, inspections, and community risk assessment. Then take your education further with the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, which prepares you for leadership roles in fire services, public safety, and emergency management. Both the certificate and degree programs include opportunities to earn recognized certifications from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Code Council (ICC).
Through hands-on training, real-world scenarios, and instruction from experienced professionals, you’ll develop the skills needed to make a lasting impact. Graduates are well-equipped for roles in fire inspection, code enforcement, public education, and risk reduction across public, private, and industrial sectors.
Join a program where your work helps prevent emergencies before they happen—and contributes to building safer, more resilient communities.
Chemeketa's Fire programs are accredited through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC).
What will you learn?
In the Fire Prevention–Community Risk Reduction program, you’ll gain the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to prevent emergencies and protect communities. Through classroom instruction, lab work, and field-based training, you’ll explore fire behavior, fire and life safety codes, inspection and investigation practices, and community risk reduction strategies. You’ll also develop the communication skills needed to serve as a public representative in fire services and safety education.
This program prepares you for a variety of roles in fire prevention, public safety, emergency planning, and code enforcement—giving you the tools to make a lasting impact in your community.
What will you do?
As you work toward your Fire Prevention–Community Risk Reduction, degree or certificate, you'll develop the practical skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in fire safety and community protection. Throughout the program, you will:
- Apply safety practices under general supervision to help prevent fires, reduce their impact on people and property, and assist in determining their cause
- Communicate effectively—both verbally and in writing—to serve internal and external audiences, resolve conflicts, and explain fire prevention strategies with a focus on public understanding and customer service
- Collaborate with a diverse team of colleagues to support organizational goals in fire prevention and public safety
- Conduct risk reduction inspections by identifying hazards, interpreting and applying fire codes and standards, and implementing hazard abatement measures
- Participate in fire cause and origin investigations, including assisting with complex investigations under supervision
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are prepared for a range of careers in fire prevention and public safety. Potential roles include:
- Fire Investigator
- Fire Prevention Specialist (public or private sector)
- Public Education and Outreach Coordinator
- Fire Service Public Relations Officer
- Inspector or Officer in Local or State Fire Prevention Bureaus
This program equips you to step into a critical role in keeping communities safe—through prevention, education, and risk reduction.
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Basic Fire Prevention Community Risk Reduction CERTIFICATE
The Basic Fire Prevention–Community Risk Reduction Certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in the fire prevention field. This certificate provides foundational training and essential certifications that meet the minimum qualifications required to begin a career in community risk reduction and fire prevention. It is ideal for individuals looking to enter the fire service or related public safety roles and serves as the first step toward more advanced training and credentials within the Fire Protection Technology program.
Students who successfully complete the certificate will receive the following certifications from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations, NFPA Fire & Life Safety Educator I, NFPA Instructor I, NFPA Inspector I, ICC Inspector I, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications for I-100, I-200, I-700 and I-800 all related to understanding and operating within National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)
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Intermediate Fire Prevention-Community Risk Reduction Certificate
The Intermediate Fire Prevention–Community Risk Reduction Certificate builds on the foundational skills gained in the basic certificate and is designed for individuals who are already working in the field or seeking advanced training. This certificate provides additional education, specialized certifications, and skill development to enhance career opportunities in fire prevention and community risk reduction. It can also give new students a competitive edge in the job market by exceeding minimum qualifications and preparing them for leadership or specialized roles within the fire service.
Students who successfully complete the degree will receive the following certifications from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations, NFPA Fire & Life Safety Educator II, NFPA Instructor II NFPA Inspector II, NFPA Public Information Officer, NFPA Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Specialist, and ICC Inspector II.
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Fire Prevention-Community Risk Reduction, AAS Degree
The Fire Prevention–Community Risk Reduction Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree is the comprehensive credential in the fire prevention pathway, combining both the Basic and Intermediate certificates with additional general education coursework. This degree is designed to prepare students for long-term career growth in fire prevention, inspection, investigation, and community risk reduction. Graduates will be equipped with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and recognized certifications, making them strong candidates for employment or promotion within fire service and public safety agencies.
Students who successfully complete the certificate will receive the following certifications from the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) NFPA Hazardous Materials Operations, NFPA Fire & Life Safety Educator I & II, NFPA Instructor I & II, NFPA Inspector I &II, ICC Inspector I & II, NFPA Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Specialist, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications for I-100, I-200, I-700 and I-800 all related to understanding and operating within National Incident Management Systems (NIMS)
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CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK
Background Check Requirements
All students entering the Fire Prevention program are required to pass a criminal background check through a college-approved vendor. Enrollment in the program is contingent upon passing this background check. If the check is not passed, you will not be able to register for the program.
If you are arrested while enrolled, you must notify the Fire Program Chair immediately. Your continued enrollment will be reviewed by the Fire Program Chair and the Dean of Emergency Services. Depending on the outcome of the review, you may be dismissed from the program.
For details about disqualifying offenses that may affect eligibility for certification through the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST), visit the Oregon Fire Program’s Background Check Information webpage.
Employment Considerations
While Chemeketa’s Fire Prevention program does not currently require driving record checks or drug testing, many employers do. It's recommended that you understand how such screenings can impact future employment. Job applicants, current employees, and volunteers may be subject to comprehensive background checks, including:
- Criminal history
- Driving records
- Drug testing
In some cases, these screenings are required by federal or state law. With the increased emphasis on safety and security, background checks have become standard practice in many public safety and emergency service careers.
For more information on your rights and background checks, visit privacyrights.org.
Medical Evaluations
In certain fire prevention or emergency response activities, individuals may need to wear a respirator to protect against smoke, fumes, or other hazardous airborne substances. According to OSHA regulations, anyone who is required to wear a respirator must first complete a medical evaluation to ensure they are physically able to use one safely. This evaluation must be completed before any fit testing or use of the respirator. Students participating in activities that require respirator use will need to obtain this medical evaluation on their own. Once the evaluation is complete, the college will provide the necessary fit testing and training to ensure proper and safe use of the respirator.