Training

Training is the foundation of the Fire Corps experience. We begin with an orientation of what a volunteer can expect as State-registered Disaster Service Worker. However, as we regularly operate in non-disaster situations, we maintain a robust training regimen beyond the DSW minimums.

Each of our assigned tasks has a corresponding training program and certification. This gives members the confidence that they are Mission Ready. Likewise, having members demonstrate competence to approved standards gives Incident Commanders the assurance that the Burbank volunteers are, indeed, Mission Capable.

One of the major principles of the professional fire service is the concept of Continuing Education (CE). This is a way to keep the first responders sharp, brushing up both the basics and the auxiliary skills. As the volunteer service becomes first responders in the event of a disaster, Fire Corps is obligated to follow the same principle, though at a considerably more relaxed civilian level. To this end, we encourage members to train beyond the minimums for their next level, and we do recognize the utility of training outside the program.

Within the program, not all training and volunteer opportunities are publicly listed or regularly available. Training criteria is subject to change. Further, we recognize training outside of these listings and will consider additional training when assembling teams. Recognized training that is not currently placed includes skills such as First Aid/AED, First Responder, EMT, traffic control, security and other IS and ICS courses. Members that take and pass the Independent Study courses listed below (or any others) – and who wish to be considered for an advanced tier – should follow the directions on the EMI website, then forward a copy of their completion certificate to the Fire Corps Training Officer.


The following training levels are reflective of the advancement that a volunteer can achieve in terms of utility and capacity within the program. It should be stressed that these are not ranks, but rather classifications that streamline the decision-making process when sorting the capabilities and limits of our volunteer pool. This decreases time-to-deployment and puts the best trained for any given circumstance where they can make the highest impact.

Each level has mandatory minimum requirements to meet the classification. The training levels are cumulative: that is, one must qualify at V1 before being eligible for V2. This does not, however, preclude volunteers from advanced training should they desire. In fact, we encourage it.

Starting at Volunteer Specialist, one sees BFCP program participation as a level requirement. This indicates passing the prerequisite qualification class for that particular callout. Additionally, it assumes that trained volunteers will avail themselves to that callout at least once per year.

A note on the ISP courses: the Independent Study Program classes are offered free of charge by FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI). These courses offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as used by professional emergency responders and managers, as well as potential college credit. The hours listing at the end of each description is an estimate of the average time it takes to complete the course, not a time requirement nor a limit.


BFCP – VB volunteers may have specialized experience or skills that they have developed through professional development of life experience (i.e. heavy equipment operator, engineer, nurse, etc.). This experience or specialized skill may be useful in a disaster or emergency.

Fire Corps Volunteer Basic level volunteers have either not undergone any additional formal training provided by the program, through allied partnerships or through other program approved curriculum or have not yet met all the training requirements for BFCP – V1.

Requirements for a BFCP Volunteer Basic include:

  • Oriented to and familiar with Burbank Fire Corps, including the structure, mission and procedures of the program. This is accomplished by reading the Orientation Packet, then signing and returning the Orientation Acknowledgement.
  • Registration as a BFCP volunteer through City of Burbank Management Services, including undergoing a LiveScan and receiving an identification card.

The process of becoming a Fire Corps Volunteer Basic registers new members as California Disaster Service Workers (DSW).

There are no minimum hours requirements for BFCP – VB, therefore by default any volunteer who does not meet the requirements for "active" status defaults to a Volunteer Basic until they meet their hours requirements.


BFCP – V1 volunteers have taken additional formal training provided by the program or through allied partnerships and approved programs. The additional training meets and exceeds the minimum requirements for California Disaster Service Workers.

Requirements for a BFCP Volunteer 1 include completion of the BFCP – VB requirements, in addition to the following training:

  • ACS Basics: Auxiliary Communications Systems (ACS) training provides fundamental radio skills, a prerequisite to operate a radio on the Verdugo Emergency Network. (2 hours; local)
  • IS-100a Introduction to ICS. This course introduces the Incident Command System (ICS) and provides the foundation for higher level ICS training. This includes the history, features, principles and organizational structure of the Incident Command System. It also explains the relationship between ICS and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). (3 hours; online)
  • IS-200a ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents. ICS-200 is designed to enable personnel to operate efficiently during an incident or event within the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS-200 provides training on and resources for personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within the ICS. (3 hours; online)
  • IS-700a Introduction to NIMS. This course introduces and overviews the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents. (3 hours; online)

NOTE: proof of completion of the training requirements are to be forwarded to the Training Coordinator for documentation.

In addition to the above training requirements, a BFCP – V1 volunteer must meet the hours requirement for active volunteers in order to remain proficient in their skills and training.


BFCP – V2 volunteers have taken additional formal training provided by the program or through allied partnerships and approved programs. The additional training includes a BFCP specialized training category and subsequent participation in assigned missions.

Requirements for a BFCP Volunteer 2 include completion of the BFCP – V1 requirements, in addition to the following training:

  • IS-7 A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance. This independent study course provides a basic understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the local community, State, and the federal government in providing disaster assistance. It is appropriate for both the general public and those involved in emergency management who need a general introduction to disaster assistance. (10 hours; online/DL)
  • IS-22 Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness. This course was designed to help the citizens protect themselves and their families against all types of hazards. It focuses on how to develop, practice, and maintain emergency plans that reflect what must be done before, during, and after a disaster to protect people and their property. Also included is information on how to assemble a disaster supply kit that contains the food, water, and other supplies in sufficient quantity for individuals and their families to survive. (10 hours; online/DL)
  • IS-55 Household Hazardous Materials. This course was designed to introduce the general public to household hazardous materials and things they can do to protect themselves and their family from injury or death. It starts with basic chemical and physical properties, the ways chemicals enter the body, and the effects chemicals have on the body. The second and third units focus on common, specific chemicals, while the last two units cover labels, personal protective equipment, proper disposal methods, preventive measures to take before natural disasters, and less toxic alternatives. (3 hours; online)
  • IS-317 Intro to CERT. This course serves as an introduction to CERT for those wanting to complete training or as a refresher for current team members. It has six modules with topics that include an Introduction to CERT, Fire Safety, Hazardous Material and Terrorist Incidents, Disaster Medical Operations, and Search and Rescue. (8 hours; online)
  • IS-394a Protecting Your Home or Small Business From Disaster. The course provides a foundation of knowledge that illustrates different types of natural disasters and hazards that pose a risk to their home or small business, then explains how protective measures can reduce or eliminate long-term risks to their home, personal property and business from hazards and their effects. (10 hours; online/DL)

NOTE: proof of completion of any training requirements are to be forwarded to the Training Coordinator for documentation.

In addition to the above training requirements, a BFCP – V2 volunteer must meet the hours requirement for active volunteers in order to remain proficient in their skills and training.


BFCP – VS volunteers have taken additional formal training provided by the program or through allied partnerships and approved programs. The additional training includes several BFCP specialized training categories and subsequent participation in assigned missions.

Requirements for a BFCP Volunteer Specialist include completion of the BFCP – V2 requirements, in addition to the following training:

  • IS-242 Effective Communication. Being able to communicate effectively is a necessary and vital part of the job for every emergency manager, planner, and responder. This course is designed to improve communication skills by addressing basic communication skills, how to communicate in an emergency, how to identify community-specific communication issues, the use of technology as a communication tool, effective oral communication and how to prepare an oral presentation. (8 hours; online/DL)
  • IS-241 Decision Making and Problem Solving. Being able to make decisions and solve problems effectively is a necessary and vital part of the job for every emergency manager, planner, and responder. This course is designed to improve decision-making skills by addressing the decision-making process, decision-making styles, attributes of an effective decision maker and ethical decision making and problem solving. (8 hours; online/DL)
  • BFCP Team Leader Orientation & Training: This class introduces volunteers to the critical complexities of leadership, including tactical stress and convergent management. (3 hours; local)

NOTE: proof of completion of any training requirements are to be forwarded to the Training Coordinator for documentation.

Additionally, a BFCP – VS must also complete at least one of the following specialized training requirements and remain proficient within that specialized category:

In addition to the above training requirements, a BFCP Volunteer Specialist must meet the hours requirement for active volunteers in order to remain proficient in their skills and training.


BFCP – SV volunteers have taken additional formal training provided by the program or through allied partnerships and approved programs. The additional training includes several BFCP specialized training categories and subsequent participation in assigned missions.

Requirements for a BFCP Senior Volunteer include completion of the BFCP – VS requirements, in addition to the following training:

  • IS-240 Leadership and Influence. Being able to lead others – to motivate them to commit their energies and expertise to achieving the shared mission and goals of the emergency management system – is a necessary and vital part of the job for every emergency manager, planner, and responder. This course is designed to improve leadership and influence skills by addressing leadership from within, how to facilitate change, how to build and rebuild trust, using personal influence and political savvy and fostering an environment for leadership development. (9 hours; online/DL)
  • BFCP Leadership Academy: This meets the ICS requirements for Group Supervisor and Branch Director positions. (3 hours; local)

NOTE: proof of completion of any training requirements are to be forwarded to the Training Coordinator for documentation.

Additionally, a BFCP Senior Volunteer must also complete at least three of the following specialized training requirements and remain proficient within those specialized categories:

In addition to the above training requirements, a BFCP Senior Volunteer must meet the hours requirement for active volunteers in order to remain proficient in their skills and training.



Frequently Asked Training Questions
  • Q: What is an "active volunteer"? Do I need my tennis racket?
  • A: Volunteers are classified "active" after they contribute twelve (12) hours of volunteer service to the BFCP. Volunteer service hours may include participation in regular BFCP meetings, outreach activities, canteen, arson watch and similar operations. Hours that a volunteer spends receiving training are recognized, recorded and credited, but are not counted towards the volunteers' "active hours". An excellent way to clarify the distinction: if you signed an ICS 211 Check-In List at any event or incident outside of training classes, those were "active" hours.
  • Q: So if I checked in on those 211s, my hours have been counted?
  • A: Yes. However, at busy events, we've seen people show up and get involved before they can sign in. It is the responsibility of each volunteer to ensure that hours they contribute to BFCP are reported accurately and appropriately.
  • Q: You didn't have these hours requirements in 2009. I've done a lot of the listed training. Does this mean I'm stuck at Volunteer Basic until I've logged enough events to re-qualify for my training level?
  • A: No. To accommodate the addition of active hours, all volunteers who contributed at least one (1) hour of volunteer service in 2009 shall be considered active for the purposes of BFCP Training Levels through 2010.
  • Q: You've had this list up for a while. Do the training requirements ever change?
  • A: The training regimen has been rapidly evolving since 2008 – when we first introduced EMI classes beyond ICS – so check back on a regular basis for updates.
  • Q: What's the difference between "online" and "online/DL"?
  • A: An "online" class is an interactive, web-based class that students progress through incrementally entirely while connected. An "online/DL" class requires students to download study material, complete it offline (usually including the final exam), then return to take the final exam.
  • Q: You've been asking for our training records at the meetings lately and I remember giving you a list some time ago. Why are you asking again?
  • A: We ask for a number of reasons. First, it's a gentle encouragement to think about further training. Second, people sometimes train then forget to forward a copy of their certificate to the Training Coordinator. Finally, if you submitted more than 6 months prior, it's possible those training records were destroyed before they could be recorded. Until recently, one of our stumbling blocks was that our internal database was stuck in development. We could only keep personal training records for so long before privacy issues dictated those records destroyed. Inconvenient, perhaps, but we value your privacy as much as your safety.
  • Q: When you give "CERT" as a specialization category, are you talking about the class or a deployment?
  • A: Both. If a volunteer isn't CERT certified, we strongly recommend they become so. Using the cross-over rule (see the CIT page), we'll even grant 5 active-hours for taking the class in Burbank (or 4 hours in jurisdictions that teach a 20-hour class). CERT deployments, such as the Station Fire, grant a 1-to-1 hour active hour ratio.
  • Q: In the Volunteer Specialist category, you've got "CERT" and "CERT Intensive Training". Don't you need the former to have the latter? Why put them both in the same training classification?
  • A: Because folk will likely only take a CERT class once within a specific block of time. Beyond the class, actual CERT disaster deployments, or even major exercises, don't happen every year. CIT happens every year, so if you were to earn your CERT certification this year, you'd fulfill that category. Next year, assuming no major disasters break out, you'd be able to use the CIT to meet a category requirement.
  • Q: Say I took CERT class last year. Wouldn't I still "be proficient" in that category this year?
  • A: In deployment terms, yes. However, the various BFCP training categories are as much a measure of participation as training and qualification.
  • Q: I like the excitement of CERT... and I don't want to lose the feeling of having that as a current qualification. Do I really need to take a CERT class every year to have that count toward my training level?
  • A: No. While the default qualifications for the CERT category are taking a CERT class or participating in a CERT deployment, 15 hours of CIT within a year is a suitable refresher for CERT and will grant the CERT category in addition to the CIT category. However, qualifying for the CERT category in this fashion does not grant any additional hours, which will still need to be met through participation in other categories.