Fire Science Technology
Overview
Go beyond what you've learned in Pre-Service Firefighting Education & Training and position yourself for a successful future in the firefighting industry.
This 10-month Ontario College Advanced Diploma program is designed with theory and hands-on applications to provide students with the necessary job skills to perform advanced level duties in a variety of fire suppression and specialty technical rescue fields.
The program is designed to accept graduates of any Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training program in Ontario as well as current fire service personnel (through a Prior Learning Assessment) as direct entrants into the Fire Science Technology program.
Graduates of this program gain specialized career expertise, technical knowledge and skills, with over 300 hours of practical experience that will enable them to start or further their careers in the fire suppression and emergency rescue field. Internationally recognized and respected National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) skills obtained in this program will enhance graduate employability and the individual's long-term opportunities for advancement. No other college in Ontario offers this unique opportunity to further develop the Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training skills to position the graduate as a serious municipal firefighter candidate.
Take a look at our Fire Grounds
Located 14 km from the main campus and the largest live fueled training centre in Canada. Contact us to set up a tour of our one-of-a-kind facility.
Admission Requirements
- Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Certificate
-or-
Prior Learning Assessment with:
- NFPA 1001 Level I and Level II ProBoard or equivalent
- NFPA 1072 Awareness ProBoard or equivalent
- NFPA 1072 Operations ProBoard or equivalent
- Current York Physical Fitness or CPAT test or equivalent
-and-
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Mathematics C or U
- Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry C or U
Highly Competitive Program
This is a highly competitive program and students are encouraged to apply by February 1 - the equal consideration deadline.
Offers to this program will be issued after February 1st, 2026.
Meet Shaun & Ian
See where Lambton College took these two firefighting students who are now full-time municipal firefighters.
Costs
- Year 1 $10,725.24
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2026-2027 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Additional Fees
-
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) Rental$1,670.00
-
PPE (helmet, gloves, fire boots, balaclava, vehicle extrication gloves, safety shoes, and glasses)$1,350.00
-
Bunker Gear Rental$1,000.00
-
Uniform (pants, belt, shirt)$165.00
-
Red Cross Material and Administration Fee$35.00
-
Accountability Badge$15.00
Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training Students
If you already have some of the equipment listed from taking the Pre-Service Firefighter Education & Training program, you are not required to purchase again.
Recommended Fees
All of the items listed are required provided you haven't already purchased for a Pre-Service Firefighting Education & Training program with the exception of the Rope Gloves. In addition to the items listed, the following fees are also recommended:
- OFMEM Testing - fees determined by the OFMEM
- Ontario DZ License (written & driven tests) - fees determined by the MTO
- Travel - Students are responsible for travelling between main campus and the Fire School (14 km) Carpooling is encouraged.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Labs & Equipment
Apparatus Bay
When you step into the Lambton College Fire School's apparatus bay, you find a fully functioning, state-of-the-art, Fire Station. Key features include: rapid air exchangers (to reduce CO2 and vehicle emissions), a sizable compressor room ensuring self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) are always on the ready, and a rope rescue wall. All of these features serve to enhance the real world training experience for our students. Three double bays house a fleet of fire apparatus including an aeriel, two engines, a tanker and rescue support vehicles (incident command, auto extrication and an ambulance.)
Fire School
Lambton College's Fire School, established in 1976, is the largest live-fueled training center in Canada. Our Pre-Service Firefighting Education & Training and Fire Science Technology programs provide graduates with the necessary NFPA skill ladder to become serious firefighter candidates. The team of expert instructors at the Fire School are supported by real world props and serve to solidify the college's leadership position in delivering industrial and municipal firefighter training.
Courses
Contact
School of Fire Science, Health & Community Services
Program Information
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Typical positions that our graduates find include: municipal fire departments in the fields of fire suppression and prevention; industrial manufacturing in the areas of fire suppression and prevention, emergency equipment sales, rescue response, fire protection system maintenance and insurance company loss prevention specialists.
In order to be eligible for consideration for employment in a municipal fire department within the Ontario fire service you are required to:
- Work on rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
- Speak, read, and write in fluent English and communicate clearly and precisely in high pressure situations
- Have a Standard First Aid certificate and a valid CPR at the Basic Life Support level
- Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application and possess an O.S.S.D. or equivalent
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada (citizen, landed immigrant) and free of any criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted
- Some fire departments require candidates to meet the NFPA 1582 Vision Standards
Co-op
About Co-op
Students in this program have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience by applying classroom learning during co-op experiences.
Learn more about co-op terms and the roles and responsibilities of students and co-op advisors.
More Information
Skill Demands
All students are required to meet the following demands:
- Applicants must be able to lift a bulk mass of 18 kg (40 lbs) and have the ability to dismantle and assemble large pieces of equipment.
- A satisfactory level of both fine and gross motor control.
- Must climb vertical ladders and walk on platforms with open gratings.
- Will not be allowed to wear glasses when wearing breathing apparatus.
- Must be clean shaven to ensure a good seal with the face mask.
- Must possess at minimum a G2 license by the end of the fall semester.
The following are not requirements of the program, but students should be aware that these requirements must be met if you are hoping to pursue a career with the municipal fire service:
- Visual requirements of 20/30 in each eye, without the use of contact lenses, and satisfactory completion of a colour vision assessment may be required.
- Should not be convicted of a criminal offense for which a pardon has not been granted.
- Should be able to communicate in English, both written and orally.
Some students with disabilities may require academic accommodation to equalize opportunities to meet the academic demands of a course or program.
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.