IFSTA’s Essentials of Fire Fighting, 8th Edition provides entry-level firefighter candidates with the information necessary to meet the job performance requirements (JPRs) in Chapter 6, Firefighter I and Chapter 7, Firefighter II of NFPA 1010, Standard on Professional Qualifications for Firefighters, 2024 Edition.

Now offered as a two book set (Firefighter I and Firefighter II), Essentials 8th Edition is the most complete source for firefighter training in the industry. It builds on IFSTA’s legacy of equipping firefighters with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an ever-changing profession. IFSTA’s committee validation process ensures content is relevant, accurate, and is a true reflection of industry best practices.

Essentials 8th features IFSTA’s student-focused design with large text, single column format, and frequent incorporation of high quality photos and illustrations. These features are proven to aid in knowledge retention and ease of reading for adult learners.

Firefighter candidates who require training to the NFPA 470 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations Levels can now access this content in Hazardous Materials for First Responders, 6th Edition.

Key features of this manual:

• Chapter References
• Key Term Definitions
• Review Questions
• Discussion Questions
• Appendix A – Correlation to NFPA 1010
• 141 New and Updated Skill Sheets

New Content and Updates:

• New information regarding firefighter mental health/resilience, cancer risk and reduction, added to Chapter 1
• Chapter 2 consolidates information about operational scene safety and includes NIMS-ICS 100 information.
• Chapter 6, Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment, now includes information about field reduction of contaminants to help prevent carcinogen exposure. This material is reviewed in Chapter 15, Overhaul, Property Conservation, and Scene Preservation, as a reminder to firefighters that reduction of contaminants should be standard operating procedure for any incident scene.
• Chapters for Fire Hose, Hose Operations, and Hose Streams are consolidated into one chapter
• NIMS-ICS 200 information is in Firefighter II, Chapter 1, Incident Scene Operations

Chapter List

Firefighter I

Chapter 1 - Introduction to the Fire Service and Firefighter Safety

Chapter 2 - Operational Scene Safety and Management

Chapter 3 - Communications

Chapter 4 - Building Construction

Chapter 5 - Fire Dynamics

Chapter 6 - Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment

Chapter 7 - Portable Fire Extinguishers

Chapter 8 - Ropes and Knots

Chapter 9 - Ground Ladders

Chapter 10 - Forcible Entry

Chapter 11 - Structural Search and Rescue

Chapter 12 - Tactical Ventilation

Chapter 13 - Fire Hose, Hose Operations, and Hose Streams

Chapter 14 - Fire Suppression

Chapter 15 - Overhaul, Property Conservation, and Scene Preservation

Chapter 16 - First Aid Provider

Firefighter II

Chapter 1 - Incident Scene Operations

Chapter 2 - Building Materials, Structural Collapse, and Effects of Fire Suppression

Chapter 3 - Technical Rescue Support and Vehicle Extrication Operations

Chapter 4 - Foam Fire Fighting, Liquid Fires, and Gas Fires

Chapter 5 - Fire Origin and Cause Determination

Chapter 6 - Maintenance and Testing Responsibilities

Chapter 7 - Community Risk Reduction