The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors recently delivered the National Fire Academy's Fire Investigator: First Responders course to students drawn from the fire service and law enforcement. The two-day class gives an entry-level overview of fire chemistry; the first responder's role in fire suppression and fire investigation; and the importance of evidence identification and preservation. It's a prerequisite for the MFA's Fire Investigator program. | Massachusetts Department of Fire

Huffman High School's Fire Science Academy helps prepare Birmingham City Schools students to become full-time firefighters if they're interested. | Fred Davenport