Volume 23-1 | March 2023
March 2023 News
A quarterly summary of the ongoing news, updates, & events at SFT 
Featured News
Employment Type
State Fire Training (SFT) has required that the Course Return roster include the student employment type. SFT utilizes this data to gain insight into who is using the SFT System and to steer new curriculum and program improvement projects.
 
Employment type is self-reported by the student and is not required to be verified by the Registered Primary Instructor or Host Agency. Rosters that do not include employment type may be rejected by SFT, potentially causing delays to the issuance of diplomas.
 
Refer to the June 2021 Information Bulletin linked below for more information.
Recognized Fire Department
SFT requires authorized signers to initiate and approve Certification Task Books, in addition to signing Letters of Verification required for instructor and evaluator registration. SFT maintains a record of these authorized signers in a Recognized Fire Agency database. Based upon guidance from the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC), SFT has clarified the qualifications and procedures for recognized fire agencies and authorized signers.
 
Additionally, all California Fire Departments and Fire Districts must prove their authority to SFT by December 31, 2024. SFT will not accept an authorized signer from any fire department or fire agency that has not provided their proof of authority by the deadline.
 
Agencies can submit their proof of authority and update authorized signers via the SFT User Portal webform located here: Recognized Fire Agencies & Authorized Signers Update Form (must be logged in to view).
 
Please see the Interim Procedure (PDF) for more information.
Curriculum and Certification Updates
Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Fire Fighters (2019) Curriculum and Certification
The Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Fire Fighters curriculum and certification has been developed to ensure an effective and coordinated response to marine incidents across the state’s waterways. It is aligned with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1005: Professional Qualifications Standards for Marine Fire Fighting for Land-Based Fire Fighters and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) best practices.
Incident Safety for Agricultural Lands and Livestock Producers Curriculum
The Incident Safety for Agricultural Land and Livestock Producers FSTEP course provides information for all qualifying livestock producers or managerial employees, as defined by a California county, who may need to take this course to access agricultural lands during or following a flood, storm, fire, or earthquake. A county agricultural commissioner or other agency designated by the county board of supervisors may administer the course.
 
Curriculum Retirement Reminder
The following curriculum retires from the SFT catalog on June 30, 2022:

  • Rescue Systems 2: Advanced Rescue Skills (2010)
  • Rescue Systems 3: Structural Collapse Technician (2012)
  • Vehicle Extrication (2015)

Both courses have been replaced by new curriculum. Visit the Implementation Plan linked below or visit the FSTEP webpage for more details.
Fire Marshal Task Book Update
The Public Information Officer (PIO) course will no longer be required for the Fire Marshal Task Book initiation. The PIO course is now a task book corequisite and is required to be completed prior to completing the task book.
State-Certified Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss (CARX) Course Updates
The State-Certified Prescribed-Fire Burn Boss (CARX) course's maximum class size has been updated from 24 to 30 students, with a matching instructor/student ratio of 1:30 for both lectures and activities.
Accredited Academy Updates
ARTP/ALA Accreditation Updates
San Bernardino County Fire, Chabot College, and Shasta College have been approved for reaccreditation.
 
Congratulations to all of these Accredited Academies!