Fire and Emergency Services Training Centre

Unless otherwise stated, applicants are members of an Ontario municipal Fire Service. Your municipal Fire Chief or approved designate, confirms you have the required prerequisites, completes your application and emails or faxes it to Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services. Your fire department will be notified of your acceptance by email approximately one month prior to the start of the course.

To register for an upcoming course, please print and submit the Richmond Hill RTC Application Form.

Unless otherwise stated, applicants are members of an Ontario municipal Fire Service. It is the responsibility of each municipal Fire Chief or approved designate, to determine that the applicant meets the required prerequisites to be eligible to apply for and attend the course, and seek certification. Your application will be reviewed by the OFC Registrar prior to approval for courses.

Ontario Fire College Fees

Fire departments will be charged a non-refundable registration fee of $65.00 for each student accepted into a course by the OFC. Fire departments will be invoiced quarterly by the OFC.

Regional Training Centre Fees

The course fee identified in the course calendar (see below) for each student accepted into a course is invoiced by the City of Richmond Hill 4 weeks prior to the start date of the course (course start date for in-person or online start date for blended delivery courses) and is payable upon receipt.  

Harmonized Sales Tax

Harmonized Sales Tax is charged on all courses. All course fees listed do not include the applicable HST.

If you are cancelling:

• OFC approved courses are cancelled in accordance with the OFC Cancellation Policy.
• RTC cancellation received 8 weeks or less prior to the course start date may be charged full course registration fee.
• Substitution of students or refunds are not allowed after course redemption codes have been sent.

Student parking is available on-site for all courses.

All full-day courses hosted at the Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services Regional Training Centre will include refreshments and lunch, unless otherwise indicated. Meals are catered and students with dietary restrictions should inform staff accordingly.  

Accommodations are not provided and are the responsibility of the student. Arrangements have been made at the Markham-Toronto Holiday Inn Express for preferred corporate rates. Please book directly through the hotel at 905-695-5990 and ask for the government rate and advise that you are attending a course at the Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services' Regional Training Centre.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this course listing, Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services (RHFES) has the right to modify any program, course, location, timetable, or fee without prior notice. RHFES reserves the right to cancel a course because of insufficient registrations or for other budgetary reasons. In the event RHFES exercises such a right, the sole liability of RHFES will be to refund the registration fees paid, if applicable, by the applicant.

NFPA 1002 Apparatus Equipped with a Fire Pump (Chapter 5) 

The Apparatus Equipped with a Fire Pump course meets the knowledge and Job Performance Requirements (JPRs) established by the NFPA 1002 Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver – Operator Professional Qualifications Chapter 5, 2017 Edition. It offers a mix of classroom-based sessions, online self-directed learning, as well as practicums. Upon successful completion of this course, each student will understand and be able to demonstrate the operation of a fire department pumper from both a static and pressurized source of water.

Provincial testing through the AS&E Unit with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management will be conducted at the conclusion of the course. Students that successfully complete the testing will receive certification.

Registration Note:

Given that this is a blended course, with a significant amount of pre-class work that must be completed before attending the in-class sessions, the Office of the Registrar will not be able to accommodate replacements of students or add additional students once the redemption codes for the pre-class have been sent.

Prerequisite:

• Valid DZ Licence 

Proof of a valid DZ Licence must be presented to the instructor at the commencement of the class. Students that fail to provide the proper documentation will not be eligible to attend the course. 

Available Courses:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to recognize the need for support resources, given a specific type of rescue incident. Students will be able to perform size up and identify hazards related to the rescue incident. Students will be able to effectively utilize rope rescue techniques for a specific incident.
Students will learn how to identify the resources required to conduct safe and effective support to emergency operations, as well as how to develop and implement procedures to activate the emergency response system and manage the site.
Prerequisite:

• None

In-Class Session:

• 5 days

Available Courses:

**Limit two applications per department per course**

This blended course has been designed around the Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications as outlined in NFPA 1006 (2021 Edition) Chapter 8 Awareness, Operations, and Technician level. The course guidance will provide you with a solid understanding of the requisite knowledge and skills required to successfully complete the AS&E (IFSAC/ ProBoard) certification exam. Once you have successfully completed the theory portion of the course you will be eligible to attend the practical training. The practical training designed for this program is like none other; our commitment to your success in safety and your success is unprecedented.
Prerequisite:

• NFPA 1001 FF 2 or exterior seals certified with proof of FF 2 auto ex skills completed

Blended Delivery*:

• Online, self-directed and instructor supported learning followed by a five (5) day in-class session, and practicums.

Students must complete the online coursework prior to the commencement of the in-class sessions; if the online learning portion and assignments are not completed and submitted on time, students will not be permitted to attend at the in-class portion of the course.

Available Courses:

**Limit two applications per department per course**

This course meets the knowledge and skill requirements of NFPA 1006 Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications, Chapter 17, 2021 Edition. Rescue personnel operating at this level will be able to perform size-up and control hazards at a surface water rescue emergency. Students will be able to recognize the general hazards associated with surface water and the procedures necessary to evaluate these hazards. Students will learn how to identify the resources required to conduct safe and effective support to emergency operations, as well as how to develop and implement procedures to activate the emergency response system and manage the site.
Note: The OFM is currently transitioning to the 2021 Edition of NFPA 1006. The water/ ice rescue courses will be run as a pilot to the 2021 Edition. Certification through Academic Standards and Evaluation could be delayed while we are in the transitional process.
Prerequisite:

• NFPA 1006 Water Rescue Awareness and Standard First Aid, CPR Level “C”, and AED
• **Students must complete a swim test on day one (1) of in-class to proceed.

Blended Delivery*:

• Online, self-directed and instructor supported learning followed by a five (5) day in-class session, and practicums.

Students must complete the online coursework prior to the commencement of the in-class sessions; if the online learning portion and assignments are not completed and submitted on time, students will not be permitted to attend at the in-class portion of the course.

Available Courses:

**Limit two applications per department per course**

NFPA 1021 Fire Officer Program

The Fire Officer program meets the knowledge and skill requisites established by the NFPA 1021 Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications, 2014 Edition.

The Fire Officer program offers a mix of classroom-based sessions, online self-directed learning, as well as practicums. Each level builds on the previous one and cumulatively prepares students to meet all the requirements of NFPA 1021, 2014 Edition.

Provincial testing through AS&E with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management will be conducted at the conclusion of the Fire Officer I and II in-class sessions. Students must also complete and submit their skills sign-offs to receive certification.

The Fire Inspector programs meet the knowledge and skill requisites established by NFPA 1031 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plans Examiner, 2014 Edition.
The Fire Inspector I program encompasses six courses including Legislation, OFC NFPA 1072 Hazardous Material Awareness, NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I, Fire Code Div. B Part 2 and 6 – Fire Safety and Fire Protection Equipment, Courtroom Procedures, and Fire Code Div. B Part 9 – Retrofit.
The Fire Inspector II program builds on Fire Inspector I and consists of three courses: NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector II, Fire Code Div. B Part 3 and 5 – Industrial, Commercial, Hazardous Materials, Processes and Operations, and Fire Code Div. B Part 4 – Flammable Liquids and Combustible Liquids.
Provincial testing through AS&E with the Office of the Fire Marshal will be available at the conclusion of the NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector I and NFPA 1031 Fire Inspector II course in-class sessions only.

 

NFPA 1033 Fire Investigator – Note the New Blended Delivery Mode

This blended course covers all investigative competencies associated with NFPA 1033 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator, 2014 Edition, including Scientific Method, Origin and Cause, Scene Documentation, Scene Safety, Chemistry of Fire, Building Construction, and Scene Reconstructions. This course also provides in-depth instruction in all aspects of assessing and investigating fire scenes relevant to fire protection services and adheres to the NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 2014 Edition, which is the guide to fire and explosion and investigation.

Provincial testing through AS&E with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management will be conducted at the conclusion of the course.

Prerequisite:

• This course is intended for fire officers or firefighters with a minimum of five years of work experience.

Blended Delivery*:

• Online, self-directed and instructor supported learning followed by a four (4) day in-class session, and practicums.

Available Courses:

NFPA 1035 Fire and Life Safety Educator Program

The Fire and Life Safety Educator program meets the knowledge and skill requisites established by the National Fire Protection Association Standard on Fire and Life Safety Educator, Public Information Officer, Youth Firesetter Intervention Specialist and Youth Firesetter Program Manager Professional Qualifications NFPA 1035, 2015 Edition.

The Fire and Life Safety Educator program includes Level I and Level II as well as the Public Information Officer (PIO).

Provincial testing through AS&E with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management will be conducted at the conclusion of the in-class sessions.

NFPA 1035 Public Information Officer
In this course, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the functions of a public information officer. The course emphasizes effective writing skills, media dissemination, and monitoring skills. Students will benefit from the enhancement of interview skills and learning about the development, maintenance, and strengthening of relationships with community groups. This course will also cover the formatting of media releases.

Prerequisites:

• None

In-Class Session:

• 1 Day

Available Courses:

NFPA 1041 Fire Instructor Program

The Fire Instructor program meets the knowledge and skill requisites established by the National Fire Protection Association Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications NFPA 1041, 2012 Edition.

It offers a mix of classroom-based sessions and/or online self-directed learning, as well as practicums. Each level builds on the previous one and cumulatively prepares students to meet all the requirements of the Standard.

Provincial testing through AS&E with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management will be conducted at the conclusion of the in-class sessions.

NFPA 1072 Hazardous Materials Program

The Hazardous Materials program meets the knowledge and skill requisites established by the NFPA 1072 Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents Professional Qualifications, 2017 Edition.

The Hazardous Materials program offers a mix of classroom-based sessions, online self-directed learning, as well as practicums. Each level builds on the previous one and cumulatively prepares the student to meet all the requirements of NFPA 1072, 2017 Edition.

Provincial testing through AS&E with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management will be available at the conclusion of the courses in-class sessions, with the exception of the Awareness course and the Air Monitoring course, for students wishing to receive certification.

NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer (Chapter 5) – Blended Delivery Mode

This course meets the knowledge and skill requisites established by NFPA 1521: Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Professional Qualifications, Chapter 5, 2015 Edition. This 3-day course examines the role of the incident safety officer (ISO) at any situation requiring an emergency response and will define their operation within the incident command system. The student will be able to evaluate and prioritize risks while using critical thinking to analyze and mitigate hazards. Students will learn to select the most appropriate control measure to ensure the effectiveness of emergency response and enhance firefighter safety.

The program will cover the role of the safety officer including, safety, regulations and standards, and reading buildings, smoke, risk, hazardous energy, and firefighters. The course also examines triggers and traps, developing a systematic approach, and ISO responsibilities at structure fires, wildland fires, as well as technical and post-incident responsibilities. This training will allow the students to identify incident action options in a risk-based response. Supplemental scenario-based training will also allow students to apply what they have learned.

Provincial testing through AS&E with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management will be conducted at the conclusion of the in-class sessions. To receive certification, students must also complete and submit their skills sign-off sheets to AS&E.

Note: NFPA 1521 Incident Safety Officer is now offered in two delivery modes – Blended or Online

Prerequisite:

• NFPA 1021 Fire Officer I

Students are required to bring paper, a pen or pencil, a USB memory stick, and if possible, a laptop or tablet.

Blended Delivery*:

• Online, self-directed and instructor supported learning followed by a three (3) day in-class session, and practicums.

Available Courses:

• Dates TBD

In this course, students will develop knowledge of fire inspection methods with respect to applications of the Ontario Fire Code Parts 3 & 5. The emphasis of this course is on the use, storage, and handling of hazardous materials or the stockpiling of combustible materials that create a potential fire hazard. In addition, this course looks at materials, processes, and operations that involve risk from an explosion or high flammability, or otherwise create a hazard to life safety or health.
Note: Fire Code Pt 3 & 5 is now offered in two delivery modes - In-Class or Online
Prerequisite:

• Fire Code Div. B PT 2 & 6

In-Class Session:

• Four (4) days

Available Courses:

• Dates TBD

In this course, students will develop knowledge of fire inspection methods with respect to applications of the Ontario Fire Code Div. B, Part 4. This course covers the storage, handling, processing, and use of flammable liquids, combustible liquids, and liquids with flash points higher than 93.3 Celsius.

Note: Fire Code Pt 4 is offered in two delivery modes - In-Class or Online
Prerequisite:

• Fire Code Div. B PT 2 & 6

In-Class Session:

• Five (5) days

Available Courses:

• Dates TBD