What is Fire Science?
Fire science is the study of all aspects of fire, from fire behavior to fire investigation. Many of those seeking to become a firefighter or obtain a career in fire prevention, protection, or safety might pursue a degree in fire science. Read on to find more information about fire science.
Field Overview
Fire science uses principles of science and engineering to study the causes, effects, and prevention of fire. Firefighting, fire safety, fire protection, and prevention are main areas of study in fire science. In addition, fire science encompasses fire management, fire behavior, fire investigation, and hazardous materials.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutFireSciencePrograms">Important Facts About Fire Science Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Common Courses</td><td> Fire codes and law, EMT basics, rescue procedures</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degree/Certificate Levels</td><td> Undergraduate certificate, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> Programs are offered fully online and in a hybrid format</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Firefighter, Fire Inspector and Investigator</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---Firefighting">Firefighting</h3><p>From firefighting tactics to the use of firefighting equipment, fire science addresses nearly all aspects of firefighting. How to use firefighting apparatus and the principles of hydraulics, pumps, and water supply are covered in addition to safety and victim recovery. Advanced degree programs in fire science typically offer courses in emergency management and fire administration.
</p><h3 id="section---FireProtectionAndPrevention">Fire Protection and Prevention</h3><p>Fire science is also the study of fire protection and prevention. Fire science involves studying principles of building construction for the development of fire protection systems. Introductory and advanced studies in fire prevention are included in a fire science degree program. Fire science also explores the principles of hazardous materials management.
</p><h3 id="section---FireInvestigation">Fire Investigation</h3><p>Fire analysis and fire or arson investigations are other areas of study in fire science. The study of fire damage and the investigation of specific types of fires, such as a vehicle or electrical fires, are key parts of the fire science field. Fire investigation methods, how to handle evidence, and investigating fatal fires are among the other topics that fall within the realm of fire science.
</p><h3 id="section---CareerOutlookAndSalaryInformation">Career Outlook and Salary Information</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), firefighters are expected to see as fast as the average employment growth of 4% between 2021 and 2031. The BLS predicts that fire inspectors and investigators will see an employment growth of 6% during that time.
</p><p>In May 2021 the BLS released salary information for these professions. Firefighters earned a median income of $50,700 per year, while fire inspectors and investigators made an annual median wage of $63,080.</p>