Training Division
Fire training up to the level of Firefighter II and medical training to the level of First Responder is encouraged. Additional medical training to the level of Emergency Medical Technician 1 is also highly encouraged for all volunteers.
Department Fire Officers, in addition to regular training, receive advanced Incident Command System and other fire officer training to be proficient in directing the mitigation of incidents in an efficient manner. California Fire Officer Training is encouraged through State Fire Training for Officers.
By using training materials from California State Fire Training recognizing the standards set forth by NFPA and California EMSA in the training program for the Department, the highest level of service is provided to the Community of Colusa.
Our training consists if all aspects of potential emergency including wildland, structural and vehicle fires, medical emergencies and rescues, and mitigation of potential problems that may cause harm to public safety. Personnel are trained in the operation of fire apparatus, fire hose and nozzles, self contained breathing apparatus, extraction tools and other basic and specialized equipment. Knowledge based training incudes practices in emergency medical care, the incident command system, fire suppression tactics and strategies, as well as hazardous materials responses.
The Colusa fire department firefighting training program conforms to the standards set forth by the NFPA and utilizes training materials provided by California’s State Fire Training and International Fire Service Training Association. Medical training conforms to requirements set forth by Sierra-Sacramento Valley Emergency Medical Services Inc. in which their program conforms to California Emergency Medical Association’s regulations.
The department has a 60-hour Volunteer Firefighter Basic Academy for new volunteers. After Successful completion, they will be available to respond to incidents, and under the direction of the Fire Officers, assist with the mitigation of the incident. Continued attendance to scheduled training sessions is required.
Training is scheduled primarily on Wednesday evenings, additional training at times are scheduled for weekends and other days of the week. Attendance to training outside the department is encouraged for all personnel.
Currently the Department has several individuals that have received training from California State Fire Training as Fire Instructors, the Department also has an instructor for First Responder medical training.
All personnel receive National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) compliant incident command systems training.
Each year wildland firefighting strike team training is attended by department personnel that are available to respond to fill requests of the department.