Boy Scout Fire Safety Merit Badge Training

This program satisfies the Fire Safety Merit Badge requirements of The Boy Scouts of America Handbook. Safety Badge training is conducted by fire department personnel. This program runs 4 hours and may be scheduled as one class or two 2-hour sessions. This program is age appropriate for Boy Scouts ages 11-17. Please note that the course materials for this merit badge class were developed to be delivered to all levels, primarily Boy Scouts ages 11-13. Older Scouts may not find the class material challenging.

For Webelos Scouts, a separate program to earn the Readyman Badge is also available. This program run 2 hours and is age appropriate for Webelos Scouts ages 10-11. To request the Fire Safety Merit Badge Training or the Readyman Badge Training, please contact our Public Education Office.

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.