Overview
Southwest Fire Academy provides the unique opportunity for candidates to be trained on the minimum job performance requirements for personnel at the scene of hazardous materials incidents. This course is taught by experts in the field, who have up-to-date knowledge and vast hands-on experience with hazardous materials incidents. These instructors are on the job. Using life-size and interactive props, candidates will experience training sessions and run various training scenarios, based on actual calls that our instructors have experienced. Students will learn to face the challenge of mitigating hazardous materials emergencies.
Course Format
Blended
- Self-Directed, online theory (completed prior to arrival) – Approx. 40 hours
- In-Class, hands-on practical training at Southwest Fire Academy – 24 hours (3 days)
- OFM Testing – Final Day
Required Textbook: IFSTA: Hazardous Materials for First Responders, 6th Edition – Not included in registration for this course.
Upcoming Courses
| COURSE | ONLINE START DATE | IN-CLASS DATES | STATUS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-1072-AO-01 | Jan 22, 2026 | Feb 19 – Feb 21, 2026 OFM – Feb 22, 2026 | CLOSED |
| 2026-1072-AO-02 | April 9, 2026 | May 21 – May 23, 2026 OFM – May 24, 2026 | OPEN |
| 2026-1072-AO-03 | Sept 3, 2026 | Oct 15 – Oct 17, 2026 OFM – Oct 18, 2026 | OPEN |
Prerequisites
None
Who This Course is For
- Volunteer Firefighters looking to certify
- Emergency responders involved in hazardous materials response
- Industrial Personnel involved in hazardous materials response
- Individuals seeking to enter the hazardous materials response field
Program Components
- Equipment familiarization / inspection and maintenance
- Decontamination
- Air Monitoring and Sampling
- Plugging / Patching
- A / B / C Kits
- Incident Command
- Planning and Research
- Use of PPE, including: Level A Suits, Level B Suits, SAR, SCBA
Certification
- Candidates who successfully complete the program will receive a Southwest Fire Academy Certificate of Completion
- Graduates are eligible for OFM Accreditation Testing
- OFM testing is included in tuition and is completed on the final day of the course.
- Candidates must notify the Registrar if OFM testing is required
What is Included
- Use of SFA PPE and equipment
- Complete JPR package (SFA retains all original documentation)
- Certificate of completion
- OFM Testing
What to Bring
- CSA approved footwear
- Station workwear (long pants recommended)
Additional Information
Please note: if this course is not filled to 75% capacity 7 days before it is scheduled to begin, it may be cancelled. In the event of course cancellation, you will be provided adequate notice and a full refund.
Accommodations may be available upon request for the duration of your program. If you are staying for one or two nights, the flat rate for accommodations is $50 plus taxes. If you are staying for three or more nights, the fee is $100 plus taxes, total. Regardless of how long you are on campus, your fee will not exceed $100 plus taxes. This fee grants you access to your bunk, a communal kitchen, parking, and washroom/shower facilities. Please contact SFA at 705-510-9501 or registrations@fire-academy.ca with advanced notice, to reserve your spot.