More than 350 firemen, fire safety instructors, hazardous materials specialists and public safety personnel will be in Morgantown next week to learn the latest techniques at the annual West Virginia State Fire School July 21-27.

The sessions provide initial training for junior firefighters and advanced skills instruction for veteran volunteer and paid firefighters.

Classes include basic and advanced arson investigation, fire officer training, structural firefighting, civil support teams, health and safety policies, fire safety equipment operation, hazardous materials management, bomb detection, plane and motor vehicle accident management and forest firefighting.

Courses will be taught by WVU Fire Service Extension educators, community volunteer and paid firefighters, West Virginia state fire marshal’s office representatives, commercial safety specialists and West Virginia Division of Forestry officials.

The classes range from one to five days with limited evening offerings. Many classes require proof of valid first aid certifications, driver’s licenses and hazardous materials certifications. Protective clothing must be worn for most sessions. Some classes still have openings.

For more information on the West Virginia State Fire School, or to register, contact Jane Haines at 304-293-6239.