Fire Engineering can be defined as the application of scientific and engineering principles, rules and expert judgement, based on an understanding of the phenomena and effects of fire and of reaction and behaviour of people, property and the environment from the destructive effects of fire.

  By virtue of its growing role in saving life and property on a large scale, Fire Engineering is fast becoming one of the world's noblest professions. Industry statistics put the upcoming Indian requirement at over one-lakh personnel per year. Moreover, unlimited opportunity comes from abroad also especially the Gulf countries. Anybody investing his future in this sunrise industry is creating a great career opportunity for himself, in addition to getting a head start over job seekers in other fields.

  Fire engineers find job openings in the government fire services, architectural and building design, insurance assessment, project management, aircraft industry, refineries, industrial processing and in any area where the possibility of fire or combustion represents a hazard. With increasing urbanization, the use of electrical devices, appliances and office automation has become a must in most of the homes. The situation in turn increases the possibilities of eventualities. Fire engineers play a pivotal role in ensuring protection and taking the necessary precautions.

  A fire Engineer understands the nature and characteristics of fire and the mechanics of fire spread and the control of fire and the associated products. He should be able to control the origin and spread of the fire within and outside buildings/structure.

  He must be able to anticipate the behaviour of materials, structures, machines, apparatus and process related to protection of life, property and the environment from fire. He must have exposure to fire safety systems and all other systems in buildings and structures and similar facilities. The Institution of Fire Engineers (India), New Delhi has come to be recognised as a symbol of fire safety in India. Institution of Fire Engineers (India) is a professional body instituted by the apex Standing Fire Advisory Council under the chairmanship of the Director General of Civil Defence, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The National Fire College, Nagpur is the only training institution that trains Fire Engineers, for the ever-demanding job market.

  The increasing number of fire disasters in refineries, petrochemical plants, industries and other strategic places is causing tragic loss of precious lives and large-scale destruction of property. This confirms the necessity for fire fighting engineers.

Fire and Safety courses offered by premier institutes/universities in Kerala are:

B.Tech in Safety and Fire Engineering

Institute/University: Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi
Address: Cochin University of Science & Technology.
Cochin - 22, India, Pin: 682 022
Fax no: +91 - 484 - 2577595
KOCHI - 22

Graduateship Examination in Fire Engineering

Duration: 4 semester
Institute/University: The Institute of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram
Eligibility: Candidates should have completed 18 years of age, at the time of writing the Graduateship in Fire Engineering Examination and have studied Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry for their PDC or its equivalent examination. Preference will be given to B.Sc. graduates who have studied Chemistry as their main or sub papers and Engineering Diploma Holders. The course is to open male candidates from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Applicants should have normal eyesight and regulation body measurements pertaining to height, weight and chest. Special exemption for any minor shortcomings will be considered only if separate application along with the required fee is submitted.
Address: The Course Director, The Institute of Engineering, Mathrubhumi Road, Trivandrum -695 035
Instituteofengg@hotmail.com
Ph: 0471 - 2573380, 2573068

Certificate Course in Fire and Safety Engineering

Duration: 1 semester (6 months). Eligibility: SSLC

Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering.

Eligibility: +2 and above or ITC
Duration: 2 Semesters (12 months)

PG Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering

Eligibility: Degree or diploma in any subject
Duration: 3 Semesters (18 months)
Institute/University: Institute of Fire and Safety Technology (IFAST)
Address: The Course Director, Institute of Fire and Safety Technology, xvii/229, NF Gate, Thripunithura, Kochi 682 301
Ph: 0484 - 2775790, 2783996.
E-mail: instituteofengg@hotmail.com
www.ifastcochin.com

Courses:

Diploma in Fire and Safety

Eligibility: Plus Two
Duration: One Year

Advanced Diploma in Fire and Safety Engg

Qualification: Engineering Graduation or Diploma in Engineering
Duration: 4 months

Certificate course in Fire Engineering

Eligibility: SSLC
Duration: 6 months
Institute/University: National Institute of Fire and Safety (NIFE),
50/1147, Railway Station Road, Edappally, Kochi
Ph: 0484 - 2800232, 280038

Courtesy : Deepika Education