The Fire Department's Training Division maintains a professional level of operational readiness through extensive on-going training. From the day new recruits enter the Department's Fire Academy until the day they retire, firefighters are required to meet high State and Local standards. Examples of the training include: live fire, forcible entry, ventilation, firefighter survival/Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC), confined space entry, hazardous materials, emergency medical, fire tactics (including those used in high-rise buildings), rescue systems, auto extrication, equipment proficiency, weapons of mass destruction, and emergency vehicle operation.

Live Fire Training

The Mountain View Fire Department Training Division runs approximately 3 live fire training days a year. Equivalent to the State of California's Fire Control 3 class, this course is designed to help firefighters maintain a high level of proficiency in structural firefighting techniques. It utilizes the burning of otherwise useless buildings, usually donated by the owner who intends to demolish it, to provide students with hands-on fire fighting experience. Topics include: fire behavior within a building, ventilation, search and rescue, interior attack, exterior attack, overhaul techniques, and exposure protection. Fire Control 3 classes in the Mountain View Fire Department have contributed to the high level of proficiency of not only Mountain View Firefighters, but firefighters from other local departments as well.

Auto Extrication Training

Firefighters dedicate a lot of training hours preparing for incidents requiring vehicle extrications. Auto extrication requires teamwork, mastery of a large assortment of tools, and a solid understanding of the materials and technology used to build vehicles.