A new citizens fire academy is coming to Butler as the result of a growing collaboration between fire departments.

Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, the Butler Bureau of Fire and Butler County Community College are accepting applications for the academy, a free monthlong, five-class program that will lead participants through the ropes of firefighting.

“We want to provide education for the public,” said Kevin Smith, coordinator of fire and HAZMAT training programs at BC3. “And if we can gain some members out of it, that would be great too.”

Smith is also assistant chief for the Butler Township department. He and Tim Iman, Butler Township fire administrator, are the points of contact for those interested in the program. It's being founded as something of a companion piece to the township's police academy.

The program begins Oct. 16 and offers a new session every week until Nov. 18. Participants will meet at different fire halls for the first few weeks to see different equipment, and then the last two classes are hands-on exercises at Butler County Community College's firefighter training area.

In the first three sessions, participants will cover topics such as the history of fire services, the protective gear firefighters wear and the processes involved in vehicle rescue operations.

At BC3, search and rescue, hose line drills, vehicle extrications and more will eventually culminate in a live fire demonstration.

“We'll let them see what the interior of a fire looks and feels like,” Iman said.

The class members don't have to participate in the more hands-on learning experiences, Smith said, but those wanting to learn are welcome to do so.

Those interested should reach out to either Smith at kevin.smith@bc3.edu or Tim Iman at btvfdfa3@gmail.com, or call the Butler Bureau of Fire at 724-283-3100 and ask for an application.

They hope to have a group of about 20 for the inaugural class.