The Bristol Tennessee Fire Department is now accepting applications for its Citizens’ Fire Academy, a public education program that allows community members to learn about firefighting skills in a controlled environment.
Classes will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings, beginning April 7 and continuing through May 26, at the city’s Central Fire Station at 211 Bluff City Highway. The class is limited to 10 participants, who must be 18 years of age or older. The application deadline is Thursday, March 17.
The eight-week program will be led by professional firefighters from the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department and will expose participants to many facets of firefighting, focusing on fire/life safety and fire prevention. It is not intended to prepare participants for firefighting careers, but instead will provide a better understanding of the profession through classroom instruction and hands-on exercises. Topics that will be covered include the history of the fire service, safety, basic first aid, and firefighting skills, tactics and strategies. The sessions are designed to provide insight into the BTFD’s all-hazard approach to emergency preparation and mitigation while fostering a meaningful, cooperative relationship between firefighters and community members.
Applications are available online at www.bristoltn.org/CFAapplication or by contacting the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department at (423) 989-5701.
