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University
Fire Department
The University of Alaska Fire is one of the few campuses in
the United States staffed by Student Firefighters. The department
operates with a paid staff and full-time Student Firefighters.
UFD serves the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus, but also
a large off-campus fire district. Student Firefighters are required
to maintain at least 6 credit hours each semester and maintain
a minimum 2.0 G.P.A. (Grade Point Average).
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Department
Directory
Staff
Students |
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How
It Began…
From 1923 until 1964 the University Fire Department (UFD) provided
fire protection to the campus using initially a bucket brigade
then primarily military surplus fire apparatus & equipment.
Prior to involvement of the students, physical plant employees
functioned as the campus fire brigade. The distance from the
City of Fairbanks Fire Dept. and extremely poor road conditions,
forced the campus into developing its own fire protection capabilities.
In the mid 50’s the surrounding college community approached
the university and requested fire protection for the area adjacent
to campus in the community of College. The University agreed
to provide this protection and over the next 40+ years, has
developed its coverage area to serve approximately 22,000 residents
in 2006.During the 60’s the department slowly progressed
to an all student fire department and operated with a pumper
truck which was housed in the maintenance buildings. In 1964,
the fire station dormitory was constructed. It housed 11 students,
an apartment for the proctor, and two engines. Buck Whitaker
was the department’s first Fire Chief hired in 1967. His
job was to concentrate on fire codes, inspections, and fire
prevention for the campus. The current fire service contract
with the University was initially signed in 1978. The emergency
medical services contract with the Fairbanks North Star Borough
was initially signed in 1984 and has provided the UFD with new
a m b u l a n c e s and equipment over the years. |
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Our
Mission
The University Fire Department shall provide the citizens of the
University of Alaska Fairbanks and the University Fire Service
Area with progressive and effective life safety, protection of
property and the environment, from the impacts of emergencies
caused by fires, explosions, accidents, illness, hazardous materials,
and storms. Prevention and public education will have an equal
priority in this effort. As a central part of its mission the
University Fire Department will develop future fire service leaders
and provide research in the emergency services fields, specializing
in challenges due to the arctic climate. |
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Where we’ve
come…
Today the University Fire Department
has expanded to include 2 stations and upwards of 27 student
firefighters. It is organized into 3 shifts: each with 9-12
student firefighters, 2 captains and 1 battalion chief. These
student firefighters have a close working relationship with
the 3 staff officers, which supervise each shift. This is a
student manned fire department with student firefighters filling
all positions from lead medic to river/operator. In addition
to normal emergency duties, students are required to maintain
full-time class loads at the university. University Fire Department
is one of the only fire departments to provide fire protection
to its campus as well as a surrounding fire service area. An
average day for student firefighters may include:
• Responding to Fire/EMS Calls
• Perform vehicle checks & maintenance
• Station maintenance
• Driver & pumper training
• Fire ground operation training
• Rescue/Extrication training
• EMS training
• Attending university classes
The University Fire Department cooperates with the 7 other
fire departments in the area with a mutual aid agreement. This
helps maximize response capabilities of area fire departments
in preparation for major incidents.
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