Can you handle the heat?

Firefighters are in high demand.

According to the Idaho Department of Labor, firefighter positions in North Idaho alone are expected to increase 26 percent by 2018. Because the process for getting hired is so competitive, having a certification and knowledge in the field gives prospective firefighters an advantage over other applicants, according to Coeur d'Alene Fire Department Capt. Bill Deruyter.

From that need, the Fire Fighter Academy was developed. The academy is a partnership between the North Idaho College Workforce Training Center and the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department, Northern Lakes Fire Protection District and Kootenai County Fire and Rescue. It began a year ago and produced firefighters who now hold certifications through the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

Most training takes place at the Coeur d'Alene Fire Station training tower off Kathleen, but training may expand to the new Kootenai County Fire and Rescue tower in Post Falls as Kootenai County Fire and Rescue plans to train its new volunteer firefighters through the NIC Fire Fighter Academy.

Led by Deruyter and taught by local firefighters, the academy offers hands-on training in safety and health, personal protective equipment, rescue and extrication and more.

In an industry with competitive hiring processes, the academy prepares new students as well as current professionals for IFSAC certification that will give them an advantage over those without certifications.

"The certification is a prerequisite for employment with many departments," Deruyter said. "The certification enhances an applicant's resume. It shows initiative and the desire to actually do the job of being a firefighter."

The next NIC Fire Fighter Academy starts Jan. 24. The program has limited enrollment and applications are being accepted.

A free information session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Information: www.nic.edu/wtc or call (208) 769-3333.