Goals
The mission of the Fire Factor Academy is to establish a relationship of mutual trust and respect between the University of Illinois, the leaders of U of I’s housing community, and the Champaign and Urbana Fire Departments through education and practical applications.The goal of this Academy is to:
- To communicate to students fire risk and fire behavior through lecture and hands-on activities.
- To communicate to students that a mixture of fire, smoke, and every day obstacles are dangerous and can kill.
- To communicate to students that the first and most effective step to fire safety is prevention.
- To lay the foundation for a lasting partnership between all parties.
The Academy will be held at the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) located at #11 Gerty Drive, Champaign (on the southwestern edge of campus). When you arrive, you will be provided a t-shirt to wear. The day will begin with registration and a welcome breakfast. You will then meet and greet with the firefighters and instructors whom you will interact with throughout the day. There will be a short lecture about fire safety, case studies of campus fires, and how you can relate those case studies to fire prevention at your organization.
You will break into small groups to begin hands-on activities that include going into a building with smoke conditions, operating a fire hose, operating a fire extinguisher, and much more. You will also have the opportunity to observe two rooms which will be set on fire to see how fast fire grows and how fire sprinklers play a role in extinguishing a fire and inhibiting its growth. There will be plenty of food and beverages provided to you throughout the day. There will be a short awards and closing ceremony.
In attending this Academy, expect to get wet and dirty from the buildings and fire equipment. It is strongly encouraged to bring another set of clothes (you will get dirty) and a set of very thick socks to wear with the fire boots. Also expect the equipment to be heavy. Firefighters wear approximately 50 pounds of gear when responding to fire emergencies. And finally, expect to have firefighters and instructors with you at every station you go through to ensure everything is conducted in a safe manner, but expect to still have a fun time and a very educational experience!
If you are not prepared or committed to the mission of this Academy, please allow someone else in your house to attend. Find the best people from your house to participate in this Academy who will communicate their learning experience to the other residents of your home. On the day of attendance, you need to be healthy, sober, and drug-free.
If you need transportation to and/or from the Fire Service Institute, please indicate so on the registration form. If you drive, we encourage carpooling to and from the Institute. There is plenty of free parking at the Institute. Directions are here: Mapquest Map.
If you have any medical conditions that could affect your ability to participate in these activities, if you have special dietary needs or preferences or if you have any questions or concerns pertaining to the Academy, please contact one of the following:
- uifirefactor@firefactor.net
- Janet Maupin, Champaign Fire Department
(217) 403-7209 - Mari Anne Brocker, University of Illinois
(217) 333-1420
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at Fire Factor!