Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) will be hosting the first Summer Fire Academy for Iowans beginning on May 15. This is an opportunity for those who have little or no background in firefighting to pursue a career. “This is an intensive, three-month program with many hands-on activities,” says academy administrator and coordinator of DMACC’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program, T.J. Carroll. “Upon completion, students will test to receive Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Haz Mat Opps certification.” Training will include vehicle extraction, fire suppression techniques, search and rescue, introduction to firefighting tools, live burn experiences, ladder placement and structure ventilation techniques. Carroll says the starting pay for firefighters in Iowa is between $45,000 and $60,000 and can go much higher in other communities across the nation. The classes will take place on the DMACC Ankeny campus and meet Mondays and Thursdays from 6 to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 21. Cost is $2,499, and grants are available for current volunteer firefighters. Payment plans can also be arranged. The class is limited to 20 students, and participants must be registered by Monday, May 8. More information can be requested through the contact points listed below.