Public Education

Columbia Fire & Rescue's Public Education Programs are designed to prevent needless injury and loss of life. We feel that there is no better way to mitigate an incident than to prevent it. You can schedule one of our programs by contacting our Community Risk Reduction Division at 931-560-1734.


Touch a Truck

Touch a Truck events are geared toward educating and familiarizing young children with the fire service and fire safety! Firefighters will bring the fire truck out to your event, church, school, or daycare and offer truck tours, showcase tools and equipment, and provide fire and life safety education and materials.

Station Tours

Station tours have been a long time favorite of children and adults alike. We always welcome the public into any of our stations to see what it's like to be a firefighter for the City of Columbia.

Blood Pressure Checks

Columbia's firefighters sometimes have booths set up at special events to do blood pressure checks for anyone who wants one. You are welcome to stop by any of our five stations at any time for a complimentary blood pressure check.

Fire Extinguisher Training

Columbia's firefighters will come to your group and teach you how to select and use the appropriate fire extinguisher to meet your needs.

Ride-Along Program

Columbia Fire & Rescue's Ride-Along Program gives citizens of all ages an opportunity to observe and participate in department activities by riding along with a fire company for a day. Participants will get a chance to go on emergency calls and observe fire and rescue personnel in action.

Fire Explorer Program

Columbia Fire & Rescue's Explorer Program is for young men and women who are between the ages of 14 - 20 years old interested in learning more about the fire service.The primary goal of this program is to provide young adults with the opportunity to explore a potential career in Firefighting/Emergency Medical Services and challenge them to become responsible citizens and community leaders.

Citizens Fire Academy

Citizens Fire Academy is a free a six-week program that gives adults age 18 and up the opportunity to learn all about what it takes to be in the fire service. Under close supervision of CFR personnel, citizens will use the skills and knowledge they will have obtained in the classroom to participate in hands on department activities including, donning and doffing firefighter turnout gear, deploying hoses, placing ladders, and performing search and rescue operations. Participants will get to witness a mock life-saving vehicle extrication, learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher, perform CPR and gain an understanding of basic and advanced life support skills.