Residents wanting to learn more about fire safety in the community will soon be able to get firsthand experience from local firefighters. The Tomball Fire Department will host the first class of the 2015 Citizens Fire Academy on Oct. 1 to teach residents about basic firefighting practices, skills, equipment and personal safety. “[We have the academy] so people get a better understanding of what our [firefighters] do on a daily basis,” Tomball Fire Chief Randy Parr said. “They’ll get to see how we operate, why we do things the way we do, and they can have a better appreciation for the level of work and activity our guys face.” Parr said the 16-week course covers many of the basic topics and skills firefighters use, including search and rescue practices, information about controlling fires and interaction with hoses and ladders used on the job. “Primarily, [students will] learn fire safety,” Parr said. “They learn that we don’t just go charging into a burning building. They’ll also get some textbook knowledge of what goes into our job.” Shera Carriker, administrative assistant for the Tomball Fire Department, said the department has been hosting the free program to educate citizens on fire safety for the past six years. “There is no cost to register for the course,” Carriker said. “[Equipment] is provided for them, but [those wanting to participate] do need to call us in advance to register and let us know that they’re coming.” The class will meet on Thursdays from 7-10 p.m. at Tomball Fire Station No. 1 at 1200 Rudel St. Saturday sessions for the course will be added as needed, Parr said. The course will conclude with a live fire exercise in a burning building simulator offered by the Cypress Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Participants can register for the course by calling the Tomball Fire Department at 281-290-1060.