DMACC Fire Science

Second-year DMACC Fire Technology students completed several site visits as part of their fire inspector course with Fire Marshal Whitsell. They examined construction features at a new wood-framed apartment complex, observing utilities, fire protection systems, water supply, and access during various building stages. Students also toured the WDMFD administration building and conducted a walking survey of Valley Junction to study legacy construction and pre-planning needs. Additionally, they visited the new DMU campus to explore advanced fire protection systems and modern construction methods.

This semester has been a busy and rewarding one for our first-semester fire technology students. While taking EMT, Introduction to the Fire Service, and Fire Behavior and Combustion, they participated in a variety of hands-on learning activities that highlight the breadth of a firefighter’s training. Students learned about pressure, flows, and hydraulics while practicing hose stream mechanics at the training tower; learned about fire protection systems from Fire Marshals Frederick (Waukee FD) and Whitsell (WDMFD), followed by a tour of the DMACC Culinary Institute to identify real-world system installations; attended a public education class taught by Fire Prevention Officer Kinkade; and toured either the Ankeny Fire Department or the Johnston-Grimes Fire Department to explore apparatus, equipment, and facilities.

DMACC Fire Technology students recently participated in an intensive week of hands-on training, simulating real-world fireground operations. At the FAST tower in Urbandale, students engaged in multi-company tactical operations designed to support the strategic objectives of an Incident Commander. These scenarios included critical firefighting tactics such as hose advancement and fire attack, forcible entry, ground ladder deployment, search, and rescue procedures.
In addition, students spent a day at the Altoona Fire Department's Fire Training Facility, where they completed a fire behavior module. This session emphasized the need for today’s firefighting tactics to adapt to the modern fire environment. Unlike past generations, today’s firefighters contend with faster-evolving fire conditions due to lightweight construction materials, open floor plans, energy-efficient windows, and synthetic furnishings. These factors can lead to flashover in under seven minutes, necessitating a deeper understanding of fire dynamics and behavior.
Through this training, DMACC students are gaining essential skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of the modern fireground.

Only Three Weeks Left! We're nearing the finish line in the DMACC Fire Technology Firefighter I Academy, and the energy is high!
This course is both academically and physically demanding, designed to push our students to meet real-world challenges head-on. Our cadre of highly skilled instructors—all active firefighters from local departments—guide students through a progressive “crawl, walk, run” approach to learning.
With over 125 critical skills to be taught, demonstrated, and mastered, our students are building the foundation they need to serve with confidence and competence.
Stay tuned! Over the next week, we'll be sharing photos and videos showcasing the hard work, dedication, and teamwork happening inside the academy.

DMACC Fire Technology would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Des Moines Airport Fire Department for their continued support in enhancing our students' educational experiences.

Our fire technology students recently spent the morning at the airport, where they learned about the specialized fire protection systems that safeguard the airport’s facilities and occupants. The visit also included an in-depth tour of the airport fire station and a close-up look at the aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) apparatus used to respond to incidents in and around the airport.

Thank you for helping our students gain valuable, real-world insight into airport emergency response operations!