Fire protection technology programs prepare people to educate others about fire prevention. Students learn ways to reduce fire risk and limit losses from fires. They also learn to investigate fires and advise on matters of fire safety.

In 2002, the largest wildfire in the U.S. was Oregon's "Sour Biscuit" Fire. It took weeks to contain and burned hundreds of thousands of acres. The fire began by a lightning strike and fed off hot, dry, windy weather. However, many fires are started by arson or careless activities, such as unattended campfires or cigarettes thrown from car windows. Fire protection professionals work to prevent all kinds of fires from happening. They also study ways to stop fires that have already begun.

In fire protection technology programs, you take courses about fire science, prevention, and chemistry. You also learn about hazardous materials and how to handle and remove them. You learn about different materials used in buildings and how they react to fire. You study how to investigate the causes of fires and ways to protect homes, buildings, land, and people from fires. In addition, you learn about different laws and insurance regulations regarding fire safety. Perhaps the most important things you learn are ways to prevent fires from happening in the first place.

Most people who graduate from fire protection technology programs become safety officers or fire investigators. You can work for insurance companies, engineering firms, or government agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You can evaluate the safety of buildings, including the use of smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting, and exit systems. You can also work to investigate the cause of fires, including arson or improper handling of hazardous materials.

The most common way to become a fire protection technology professional is to earn an associate's degree from a community college. Less than 10 schools also offer bachelor's degrees in fire protection technology. Four-year degrees typically focus more on engineering and technology; they teach you to design fire prevention systems and focus less on teaching actual firefighting skills.