Course Objectives 

To provide students with the knowledge and skills required to deliver compartment fire behaviour training in carbonaceous fueled training props designed to show the stages of fire development up to roll over. It also includes the safe and effective operation of small and large scale props used to demonstrate a wide range of fire development variables and applicable control tactics, tools and techniques.

Content

• Principles of fire development and behavior in compartments
• Principles of extinguishment
• Ventilation methods, tactics and their impact on fire growth and spread.
• Nozzle techniques and effectiveness. Kill Zone concept, transitional attack
• Dynamic risk recognition techniques such as “Reading Fire” using the BE SAHF fire behaviour indicator method to recognition of the stage of fire development, assessment of fire progression, and understanding the potential effects of tactical ventilation and various firefighting techniques
• Strategies, Tactics and Tools for risk mitigation and safety during compartment firefighting and realistic training
• Tactical synergy. Strategic integration of tactical options.
• The principles realistic training methods for compartment firefighting including the safe and effective operation of carbonaceous fueled training props
• Hygiene and site setup for safety
• Instruction and assessment skills
• Firefighting, and training site risk recognition and mitigation techniques
• Security teams and tactics to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

Target Audience

Fire Officers from Junior to Senior Officer Rank that will be directly involved in development or delivery of training programs to operational firefighters, or responsible for the development and implementation of realistic training programs and facilities.

Training Method

This 40 hour course consists of a combination of theoretical presentations, practical evolutions, classroom scenarios and practical exercises. Trainees are assessed on a daily basis by the Instructors. The course instructors are experienced in delivery strategies that will enhance the learning experience for learners that use English as a second language. A high standard of competence is set for the group and the program is designed to allow for sufficient repetition of the practical components.

Theory Components

The theory component is designed to build on a solid practical firefighting background. While advanced, sufficient time is allowed to compensate for the fact that the trainees use English as a second language. Instructors are highly motivated to giving the trainees every opportunity to meet the high standards set. Any student requiring additional assistance outside of normal class hours will find that the Instructors are prepared to give as much help as the student requires. A variety of assessment methods will be used.

Practical Components

The practical components will consist of workshops, realistic training sessions and tactical exercises. Trainees will be expected to be highly competent in the wearing of SCBA and familiar with all commonly used firefighting tools. All candidates must be fit for operational duties and the physical strain of realistic live fire training.

Certification

Students will be assessed against the competencies of the CFBT Level 1 Recognised Training Course as accredited by the Institution of Fire Engineers. All training and assessments are conducted in accordance with internationally recognised standards, such as NFPA 1403 (USA), The Guidance and Compliance Framework for Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (UK). The CFBTI Level 1 and 2 are accredited by the Institution of Fire Engineers as a Recognised Training Program.

 Pre-requisites

This program involves live fire training and all participants must have completed the training outlined in National Fire Protection Association 1403 Standard on Live Fire Training and received training to meet the job performance requirements for Fire Fighter I in NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.

Participants must be medically and physically qualified to wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respiratory Protection regulations (29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910. 134) require that individuals who wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) receive an annual medical evaluation and be fit tested for the breathing apparatus used. In addition, this regulation prohibits conditions that may interfere with facepiece seal (e.g., facial hair in the area of the facepiece seal).

NFPA 1981 Standard on Open-Circuit SCBA for Emergency Services (2007) and NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program (2007) provide additional information on the medical and physical qualification for the use of SCBA.

CFBT_Timetable L1 24_3

Upcoming Course Dates

Beyond tradition and beyond hype, the International Tactical Ventilation Instructor Course delivers a modern, science‑driven approach to fireground decision‑making.
Built on decades of global operational experience and accredited by the Institution of Fire Engineers, this program goes far beyond ventilation alone. Participants learn how the modern built environment, synthetic fuel loads, and complex flow paths demand a new level of precision in reading, controlling, and influencing fire behaviour.

Through a blend of theory, practical evolutions, and tactical exercises, the course explores natural, forced, and anti‑ventilation options; flow path identification and control; BE SAHF rapid risk assessment; transitional attack; 3D zone control; and the integration of ventilation with suppression and search operations.

Designed for instructors, incident commanders, and senior officers, this course equips firefighters with the knowledge and confidence to make ventilation decisions based on science—not habit—ensuring safer, more effective operations in today’s rapidly changing fire environment.

Course Objectives

This course focuses on understanding the impact of tactical ventilation tools, tactics and techniques. This knowledge is then combined with the synergy that can be achieved when tactical ventilation is combined with extinguishing tools, tactics and techniques.

Contents

• Fire Dynamics Revision
• Impact of the planned or unplanned ventilation
• Principles of Natural Ventilation
• Impact of wind
• Horizontal Ventilation
• Vertical Ventilation
• Critical success factors in inlet/exhaust opening and timing of actions
• Anti-ventilation options
• Forced ventilation tools, tactics and techniques
• Tactical Synergy based on the BE SAHF Reading the Fire method

Target Audience

Fire Officers from Junior to Senior Officer Rank that will be directly involved in development or delivery of training programs to operational firefighters, or responsible for the development and implementation of realistic training programs and facilities

Training Method

This 40-hour course consists of a combination of theoretical presentations, practical evolutions, classroom scenarios and practical exercises. Trainees are assessed on a daily basis by the Instructors. The course instructors are experienced in delivery strategies that will enhance the learning experience for learners that use English as a second language. A high standard of competence is set for the group and the program is designed to allow for sufficient repetition of the practical components.

Theory Components

The theory components are founded on extensive international experience combined with the latest scientific knowledge which is continually reviewed by a network of international authorities. This is supported by a comprehensive Online Line Learning platform that offers significant benefits that enhance the overall learning experience. Its flexibility allows participants to access course materials at their own pace and convenience, making it easier to balance training with other commitments. This ensures that participants can learn from anywhere in the world, providing a truly global reach. The ability to revisit materials at any time allows participants to reinforce their learning and review key concepts as needed.

Additionally, this includes extensive support material designed to enhance the learning experience for non-native English speakers, ensuring that all participants have the resources they need to succeed. Interactive content, such as videos, and quizzes help to engage participants and facilitates a deeper understanding of the material. These features collectively make the online learning platform an invaluable component of the program, contributing to its status as the leading course in the world for fire behaviour training.

Practical Components

The practical components will consist of workshops, realistic training sessions and tactical exercises. Trainees will be expected to be highly competent in the wearing of SCBA and familiar with all commonly used firefighting tools. All candidates must be fit for operational duties and the physical strain of realistic live fire training.

Certification

Students will be assessed against the competencies of the International Tactical Ventilation Instructor Course as accredited by the Institution of Fire Engineers. All training and assessments are conducted in accordance with internationally recognised standards, such as NFPA 1403 (USA), The Guidance and Compliance Framework for Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (UK). The CFBTI Level 1 and 2 are accredited by the Institution of Fire Engineers as a Recognised Training Program. Successful candidates will be issued with a “Statement of Attainment” to validate their qualification. All candidates that attend the 5 day program will be issued with a “Certificate of Attendance”.

International IFE Recognised Training Course TacVent

Pr-requisites

The trainees should be competent and experienced in:

• Firefighting strategy, tactics and techniques to senior firefighter level or equivalent.
• English language skills. (It may be possible to provide translators for the theory and practical)
• Intermediate computer skills
• Instructional techniques.
• Medically fit for operational duties in accordance with fire service requirements

TacVent Instructor2025 Full Program