Boy Scout Fire Safety Merit Badge Training

This program satisfies the Fire Safety Merit Badge requirements listed in The Boy Scouts of America Handbook. Fire Safety Merit Badge training is conducted by County Fire personnel and is available to Boy Scouts ages 11-17. Please note that the level of the course material for this program is most appropriate for Boy Scouts ages 11-14. To request Fire Safety Merit Badge training, please contact the Public Education Office at 408.378.4010.

A downloadable/printable Escape Plan Mapgrid is available on the Forms page.

Teaching materials used for the class.

from the collection of Jim Ackley

This January 1958 historical newspaper clipping photo shows County Fire deputy fire chief Jim Rasmussen pointing out the dangerous possibilities that can occur if an electric cord gets caught under a chair to three Boy Scouts. From left: Robert Wilson, Jeff Campen and Paul Pierce.

At the end of this course, Boy Scouts will have a basic understanding of the following:

1. Fire behavior
2. Fire prevention skills
3. Home fire safety survival
4. Reporting emergencies
5. Burn injuries and their causes
6. Wildland and camping safety
7. The fire service

During this course, Boy Scouts will demonstrate a working knowledge of various skills including:

1. Home safety inspection
2. Drawing a home fire escape plan (A downloadable/printable Escape Plan Mapgrid is available on the Forms page.
3. Testing and maintaining smoke alarms
4. Lighting matches

5. Using a fire extinguisher and extinguishing a grease pan fire

6. Lighting charcoal fires
7. Stop, Drop and Roll technique for extinguishing clothing fires

8. Operating camp stoves and lanterns

photo: Gina Cali

Merit Badge Training class, Castro Middle School. Volunteer firefighter Arleigh Movitz and a scout demonstrate and discuss turnout gear. 16 March 2003.

Merit Badge Training class, Castro Middle School. Associate Public Education Officer Gina Cali in center. 16 March 2003.