DMACC Fire Science

11/14/2025

Second-year DMACC Fire Technology students completed several site visits as part of their fire inspector course with Fire Marshal Whitsell. They examined construction features at a new wood-framed apartment complex, observing utilities, fire protection systems, water supply, and access during various building stages. Students also toured the WDMFD administration building and conducted a walking survey of Valley Junction to study legacy construction and pre-planning needs. Additionally, they visited the new DMU campus to explore advanced fire protection systems and modern construction methods.

11/14/2025

This semester has been a busy and rewarding one for our first-semester fire technology students. While taking EMT, Introduction to the Fire Service, and Fire Behavior and Combustion, they participated in a variety of hands-on learning activities that highlight the breadth of a firefighter’s training. Students learned about pressure, flows, and hydraulics while practicing hose stream mechanics at the training tower; learned about fire protection systems from Fire Marshals Frederick (Waukee FD) and Whitsell (WDMFD), followed by a tour of the DMACC Culinary Institute to identify real-world system installations; attended a public education class taught by Fire Prevention Officer Kinkade; and toured either the Ankeny Fire Department or the Johnston-Grimes Fire Department to explore apparatus, equipment, and facilities.

11/11/2025

07/28/2025

DMACC Fire Technology would like to extend our sincere thanks to Feld Fire Inc. for providing AMKUS battery-powered extrication tools during our recent Auto Extrication Training Week.

Throughout the week, students gained invaluable hands-on experience using a wide range of rescue tools, including struts, airbags, and the AMKUS tools. The training focused on key extrication techniques such as:

Vehicle stabilization

Glass removal

Door popping and removal

Roof removal

Dash displacement using a dash jack

These foundational skills are essential for preparing future firefighters to respond safely and effectively to vehicle accidents.

Thank you again to FELD Fire Equipment and AMKUS for supporting our training and helping us better prepare the next generation of fire service professionals.

07/25/2025

DMACC Fire Technology students recently spent several days gaining hands-on experience in auto extrication and vehicle stabilization. During the training, students had the opportunity to work with a variety of tools, including different types of struts, airbags, and both hydraulic and battery-powered extrication equipment.
The training covered essential skills such as vehicle stabilization, glass removal, door pops and removal, roof removal, and dash displacement (using a dash jack). These foundational techniques are crucial for responding safely and effectively to vehicle accidents.
A special thank you to MAD J Repair & Towing for donating their time, facility, and vehicles that made this valuable training possible!

07/23/2025

DMACC Fire Technology students recently participated in an intensive week of hands-on training, simulating real-world fireground operations. At the FAST tower in Urbandale, students engaged in multi-company tactical operations designed to support the strategic objectives of an Incident Commander. These scenarios included critical firefighting tactics such as hose advancement and fire attack, forcible entry, ground ladder deployment, search, and rescue procedures.
In addition, students spent a day at the Altoona Fire Department's Fire Training Facility, where they completed a fire behavior module. This session emphasized the need for today’s firefighting tactics to adapt to the modern fire environment. Unlike past generations, today’s firefighters contend with faster-evolving fire conditions due to lightweight construction materials, open floor plans, energy-efficient windows, and synthetic furnishings. These factors can lead to flashover in under seven minutes, necessitating a deeper understanding of fire dynamics and behavior.
Through this training, DMACC students are gaining essential skills and knowledge to meet the challenges of the modern fireground.

07/20/2025

On Monday, July 14, the current class of Emergency Medicine residents from UnityPoint Health – Des Moines participated in an intensive, hands-on “Doc Ops Day” training event. Hosted by the DMACC Fire Technology, EMT, and Paramedic Programs, the training was designed to provide real-world insight into the experiences and challenges faced by first responders.
This event is a key component of the new three-year Emergency Medicine residency program, which emphasizes critical care, EMS, and rural medicine. The program aims to enhance residents' triage, decision-making, and procedural skills in high-pressure environments.
During Doc Ops Day, residents engaged in a wide range of scenario-based exercises, including auto extrication, a forcible entry door simulation, an obstacle course completed in full personal protective equipment (PPE), search operations, fire stream and hose management drills, and simulated pre-hospital medical calls.
The immersive training offered residents a unique opportunity to collaborate with fire and EMS professionals, deepening their understanding of pre-hospital care, an essential aspect of emergency medicine.

07/13/2025

07/11/2025

Over the past eight weeks, our students have undergone intensive training covering a broad spectrum of essential firefighting knowledge and skills. The curriculum included both classroom-based instruction and hands-on practice in the following areas:

Fireground Communications: Developing clear, effective radio communication strategies for coordination during emergency operations.

Building Construction: Understanding structural types and their behavior under fire conditions to inform tactical decisions.

Fire Dynamics: Studying fire behavior, growth, and spread to enhance safety and suppression effectiveness.

Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Proper use, maintenance, and limitations of PPE to ensure firefighter safety.

Portable Fire Extinguishers: Identification and effective deployment of extinguishers for various classes of fire.

Ropes and Knots: Learning essential knots and rope handling techniques for rescue, hoisting, and securing tasks.

Deploying Ground Ladders: Safe and efficient ladder operations, including placement and climbing techniques.

Forcible Entry: Techniques to gain access through locked or obstructed doors and windows during emergency situations.

Structural Search and Rescue: Conducting primary and secondary searches to locate and remove victims from hazardous environments. Firefighter safety and survival practices.

Tactical Ventilation: Using ventilation strategies to control fire spread, improve visibility, and reduce heat conditions.

Hose Operations and Hose Streams: Managing hose lines, selecting appropriate nozzles, and deploying effective water streams.

Fire Suppression: Applying tactics and techniques for extinguishing structural and content fires safely and efficiently.

This well-rounded training ensures that our students are equipped with the critical skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level positions within the fire service.

07/10/2025

Only Three Weeks Left! We're nearing the finish line in the DMACC Fire Technology Firefighter I Academy, and the energy is high!
This course is both academically and physically demanding, designed to push our students to meet real-world challenges head-on. Our cadre of highly skilled instructors—all active firefighters from local departments—guide students through a progressive “crawl, walk, run” approach to learning.
With over 125 critical skills to be taught, demonstrated, and mastered, our students are building the foundation they need to serve with confidence and competence.
Stay tuned! Over the next week, we'll be sharing photos and videos showcasing the hard work, dedication, and teamwork happening inside the academy.

05/05/2025

Home fires tragically claim seven lives every day in the U.S., but having working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death in half. That’s why DMACC Fire Technology students volunteered with the American Red Cross at the Sound the Alarm event on Saturday, bringing critical fire safety resources directly into Des Moines homes.
Over 260 volunteers, including DMACC Fire Technology students, fanned out across Des Moines neighborhoods to install 812 free smoke alarms, share fire safety tips, and help families develop personalized home escape plans.
It was a great day to make homes safer! Our students gained valuable field experience while making a real impact in the community.
The Sound the Alarm initiative is part of the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, which has helped save more than 2,000 lives since its launch in 2014.

04/30/2025

DMACC Fire Technology would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Des Moines Airport Fire Department for their continued support in enhancing our students' educational experiences.

Our fire technology students recently spent the morning at the airport, where they learned about the specialized fire protection systems that safeguard the airport’s facilities and occupants. The visit also included an in-depth tour of the airport fire station and a close-up look at the aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) apparatus used to respond to incidents in and around the airport.

Thank you for helping our students gain valuable, real-world insight into airport emergency response operations!