Fire Protection Degrees

Fire is an uncontrolled burning, causing damage to property, damage to life and health of citizens, exerts cost to state and collateral damage to society.

Among major causes of fires following can be listed: carelessness while handling fire, failure to comply with the rules of operation of production machinery and electrical equipment, spontaneous combustion of substances and materials, discharges of static electricity, lightning, arson. The latter, in turn, are divided into external (open), which are well seen in the flames and smoke, and the internal (private), characterized by the hidden pathways of the flame.

Fire protection has two main areas:

Fire prevention
Fire suppression of fires occurred.

The main task of the modern fire protection and therefore of specialists having fire protection degrees is fire prevention, which includes the following activities:

Elimination of direct or potential causes of fire (correct and efficient installation of electrical, heating, and the prohibition of use of open flames and smoke in fire areas, prohibition of storage of unnecessary combustible materials, etc.);
Limiting the spread of fire arising (construction of fire walls, barriers, fire curtains, water curtains, local barriers, etc.);
Creating a safe environment for the forced evacuation of the building (the unit of evacuation routes and exits, ensuring free movement to them, no bars on the windows, etc.);
Providing conditions for the possible extinction of fire (the presence of driveways and walkways to the buildings, the availability of existing fire line, hydrants, damage to exterior fire escapes and fences on the roof, etc.).

Main Tasks for Fire Protection Professionals

A specialist having one of fire protection degrees is prepared to deal with the following tasks:

Prepare the orders on the order of fire safety in the territory, buildings, structures and premises establishment, appointment of persons responsible for fire safety in the divisions of the enterprise; on implementation of the instructions, regulations and recommendations regarding the organization of fire protection area, buildings, structures, premises;
Develop and implement measures for fire safety;
To check the contents in good condition systems and fire protection, including the primary means of fighting fires, not allowing them the use of off-label;
Provide an annual report to the chief agencies on activities for fire safety and plan these activities for the next year;
To carry out fire propagation;
Train employees fire safety measures;
Inform the head of a violation of employees and other persons of fire safety;
To assist the fire brigade to extinguish fires, establishing the causes and conditions of their emergence and development, as well as in identifying the perpetrators of violations of fire safety and fire occurrence;
Upon request of officials of the state fire control information and documents about the state of fire safety in the facility, as well as on developments in the territory of fires and their consequences;
Immediately inform the chief agency in the fire department of fires occurred, malfunctions and the available funds of fire protection systems, to change the state of roads and driveways leading up to the point of ignition;
Ensure that the requirements of the state fire supervision relating to its activities, and compliance with existing standards for fire safety.

Here are brief descriptions of fire protection degrees and a pick of universities:

Associate’s Degrees

AAS in Fire Science – Kaplan University
Associate Degree Fire Science – Columbia Southern University

Bachelor’s degree

University courses for bachelor degree in fire protection are aimed at youth motivated in fighting against fire. Students get to know advanced and efficient techniques of distinguishing fire. Bachelor in fire protection can work as an assistant counselor in firefighting branch.

Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management – Kaplan University
BS in Fire Science – Columbia Southern University
BS in Fire Protection Management – Eastern Kentucky University
BS in Fire Science Administration – Waldorf College
Thomas Edison State College
Oklahoma State University

Master’s degree

In all similarity with masters graduates in other specialties, specialists having a master’s degree in fire protection are ready to dwell into major planning and dealing with practical problems of modern firefighting and prevention.

MS in Safety – Fire and Emergency Services – Eastern Kentucky University
University of New Haven
Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Doctorate degree

Fire protection specialists with doctor’s degree have attained the top level professional recognition. They work on the scientific problems and even discoveries.