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At Blue Ridge Community College, fire and rescue training classes are designed to prepare students for careers as entry-level firefighters or rescue technicians. Existing public safety professionals also benefit from advanced fire and rescue classes for ongoing professional development.
Henderson County Fire Academy
Fall 2026 Registration:
The Henderson County Fire Academy begins on August 31, 2026
and runs through December 11, 2026.
In partnership with the Henderson County Fire and Rescue Association, the annual three-month Fire Academy of Blue Ridge Community College provides students with essential entry-level skills and knowledge for the firefighting profession. Students can enter the Academy with no experience and leave with a North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal Firefighter certification, qualified to serve locally and across the state.
Classes meet daily at the Henderson County Fire and Rescue Training Center on the College’s Henderson County Campus. The Academy fee is only $150 with sponsorship or affiliation.
Fire and Rescue Continuing Education
Fire and rescue and emergency management continuing education training. Pre-registration is suggested.
Fire Protection Technology Degree (AAS)
The Fire Protection Technology curriculum is designed to provide individuals with technical and professional knowledge to make decisions regarding fire protection for both public and private sectors. It also provides a sound foundation for continuous higher learning in fire protection, administration, and management.
Degrees, Diplomas & Certificates
Associate Degree –
Fire Protection Technology – AAS
Diploma –
Fire Protection Technology – Diploma
Certificate –
Fire Protection Technology – Certificate
Public Safety Administration (AAS)
The Public Safety Administration – Emergency & Fire Management curriculum is designed to provide students, as well as practitioners, with knowledge and skills in the technical, managerial, and administrative areas necessary for entrance or advancement within various public safety and government organizations.
Related: Blue Ridge also offers the Public Safety Administration – Law Enforcement program.
Please contact us with any questions or for more information about our listed programs:
Public Safety Training
(828) 694-1786
or email publicsafetytraining@blueridge.edu
For issues with Blue Ridge Community College email, student login, or online course access please contact the Technology Help Desk.
Public Safety Training Center Calendar
Request Training Center Scheduling by email: m_ostrander@blueridge.edu
Certification Management and Information Links
High School Programs
Currently enrolled North Carolina high school students may be eligible for the Career and College Promise (CCP) program.
Guided Pathways
View career pathways for the Fire Protection Technology Program.
Technical Standards
Students enrolling in these programs must meet specific emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive standards. This information is found in Technical Standards. Students qualifying for special accommodations to these standards must contact Student Accessibility Services at (828) 694-1813 or access@blueridge.edu for more information.