Fire Academy

Fire Academy Prerequisites

1. Mandatory 3-Hour Fire Academy Orientation

Students must attend a mandatory 3-hour Fire Academy orientation. The orientation is offered twice each semester and covers physical, mental, and academic expectations, academy policies and procedures, and the application process.

To be eligible, a candidate must have completed the required 3-hour Fire Academy orientation within the last two years.

Active military personnel who are currently deployed out of the area and unable to attend one of these dates should contact the Academy office for possible alternatives.

Students who are considering a career in the fire service or planning to attend a future session of the academy are also encouraged to attend. The goal is to help candidates become well informed and prepared for a successful academy experience.

Family members are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Academy Orientation Dates and Times

Sign Up for Orientation

2. Cumulative GPA

Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.6 or higher from all community colleges and universities attended, including Butte College. An associate or bachelor’s degree will override the GPA requirement.

3. High School Completion

Students must be high school graduates or have a GED or CHSPE and provide documentation.

4. Active EMT Card

Effective Fall 2024, students must hold an active EMT card through a certifying authority and must maintain active certification throughout the Fire Academy. The course may be in progress at the time of application, but it must be completed before the application deadline.

When the academy runs

The Fire Academy runs twice a year, with cohorts starting in the fall and spring. Required application documents become available when applications open.

Applications for the 87th Fire Academy, scheduled for Spring 2027, will open in September 2026. 

Please revisit this website to submit your application of interest and download the application packet.

Application Process

The selection process is first come, first served. The Fire Academy will accept the first 40 applications from students who have met the requirements. Students must submit a complete application to be considered.

All correspondence is sent by email. Students must provide an accurate email address on the academy application and check it often. Required documents are not available until applications open.

• Submit an Application of Interest to download the Fire Academy application packet.
• Obtain a Butte College student identification number.
• Sign up for and attend the mandatory 3-hour Fire Academy orientation. This orientation is separate from the general college orientation and is valid for up to two years.
• Provide a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or CHSPE. Transcripts are accepted.
• Provide proof of a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or documentation of completion of a degree program from an accredited school.
• Provide verification of an active EMT card.
• Complete a Personal History Statement.
• Complete the medical portion of the Personal History Statement, including a physical and physician’s release. Medical clearance must be dated within 90 days of the academy start date.
• Students in the EMT program within the previous year only need to schedule a physical. Please mention EMT to Fire student status when making the appointment with the scheduler.
• Students may also visit their primary care physician for medical clearance and a physical exam.
• Complete a background check through Castle Branch. The background check must be dated within 90 days of the academy start date.

Please note that a felony or misdemeanor conviction relating to crimes involving physical assault, use of a dangerous weapon, sexual abuse or assault, abuse of children, the elderly, or infirm individuals, and crimes against property, including robbery, burglary, and felony theft, are automatic disqualifies.

Estimated cost

All items listed below are the responsibility of the student.

All fees are approximate and subject to change at any time. The fees listed above do not include living expenses.

Paying for the academy

Financial Aid Office Veterans Services Office

• Financial Aid: (530) 895-2311
• Veterans benefits: (530) 895-2566
• A payment plan is available (set up a payment plan).

Location

Butte College is located between Chico and Oroville. You can reach the college by taking Durham-Pentz Road from Highway 99 or Clark Road from Highway 70. The Fire Academy office is located in the Allied Health and Public Services (AHPS) Building, Room 144.

Days and Times

The Fire Academy generally meets Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM for about 20 weeks. Some weekend sessions are also required.

Units

26 semester units and 0.5 unit of Critical Skills Workshop

Housing

There is no housing on campus. Off-campus housing information is available at Butte Off-Campus Housing.

Transportation

Cadets are responsible for their own transportation. There are no exceptions. Some required training takes place off campus and may include travel of up to four hours for ride-along experiences or other training activities.

Certificates you can earn

The Fire Academy conforms to standards for certification by the California Board of Fire Services. Upon successful completion, students may be eligible for the following certificates:

• Certificate of Achievement from the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges
• Swiftwater Rescue Awareness
• Emergency Response to Terrorism
• Confined Space Awareness
• Vehicle Extrication
• Fire Control 3
• Fire Control 4
• Rapid Intervention Crew Tactics
• Firefighter Survival
• Low Angle Rope Rescue
• State certification as Firefighter I and II
• Cal Fire Firefighter 1C
• Wildland Firefighter Safety and Survival Level 1
• C-212 Wildland Fire Chain Saws Level A, 8 HR
• L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
• S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• S-130 Firefighter Training
• IS-100.C
• IS-200.C
• IS-700.B
• IS-800.D
• Hazardous Materials - FRO Pro Board and FRO DECON