Welcome to the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center!
About the Northwest Regional Fire Training Center (NWRTC)
The Northwest Regional Fire Training Center (NWRTC), established in 1990 through the efforts of countless volunteers, provides a needed training facility that meets the requirements of an evolving emergency service.
The NWRTC provides the region with the required classrooms, burn buildings, training tower, and special service areas needed to meet the training and educational requirements of urban and rural emergency responders. The staffing is composed of volunteer and paid certified fire service instructors.
NWRTC is proud to be a state-licensed proprietary school and approved to provide initial EMS education up to the EMT level.
Reserve Facility Use at the NWRTC🌊 Water Rescue Technician (WRT) Course
Hosted by Peninsula Township Fire Department, please reach out directly to them with any questions.
The **Peninsula Township Fire Department** is hosting a Water Rescue Technician course instructed by certified in-house instructors. This 2-day course meets/exceeds **NFPA 1670 & NFPA 1006 Standards** for Technical Rescue.
Attendees will gain the knowledge and skills to perform safe, efficient, and effective rescues in various water environments.
This fast-paced course will train attendees to:
- Understand the anatomy of water incidents
- Execute rescue methods in dynamic conditions
- Apply safety procedures for rescuers and victims
- Build teamwork, awareness, and decisive action for dynamic scenarios
Lunch and Snacks will be Provided Both Days!
| Dates & Times |
Wednesday, January 7th, 2026: 0700-1700 Thursday, January 8th, 2026: 0700-1700 |
|---|---|
| Location | Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, 3700 West Sliver Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684 |
| Class Cost | $425 Per Person |
| Mandatory Requirement | Must be **Sponsored by a Fire Department, Rescue Squad, etc.** |
| Registration Link | Click Here to Register |
Coordinator & Contact
Lieutenant Kyle Sarber
Email (preferred): ksarber@peninsulafire.org
Phone: (231) 360-1830
🔥 NWRTC Fire Instructor Course Registration Open!
The Northwest Regional Fire Training Center (NWRTC) is excited to announce the opening of registration for our upcoming **Fire Instructor I** and **Fire Instructor III** courses. These programs are designed for dedicated fire professionals looking to advance their instructional capabilities.
NWRTC Fire Instructor I Course
This is a five-day course utilizing the **NFPA 1041 standard**. It is designed to prepare you with the fundamental skills needed to be a superior fire instructor.
- Dates: November 7-9 & 22-23, 2025
- Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Location: Northwest Regional Fire Training, 3737 Nimrod Rd. Traverse City, MI 49685
- Cost: $300 per student (Fireworks funding can be used)
- Registration Limit: 16 students
Prerequisites:
- Minimum of 3 years of firefighting experience
- Fire Fighter I & II certification
- Member of a Michigan fire department for the last 5 years
Application & Registration: Register Here for Fire Instructor I
MFFTC Fire Instructor III Course
This blended course is for advanced instructors and will cover the knowledge and ability to manage programs, develop instructional plans, and evaluate training instruments.
- Dates: November 19, December 3, 17, 30, 2025 (online) and January 17, 2026 (in-person)
- Time: 1800-2100 (online sessions)
- Location: NWRTC, 3737 Nimrod Rd. Traverse City, MI 49685
- Cost: $450
- Registration Limit: 16 students
Prerequisites:
- Certified Instructor II (O55A/B)
- Minimum of 7 years of firefighting experience
- 80 hours of documented instructional time
- Member of a Michigan fire department for the last 5 years
Application & Registration: Register Here for Fire Instructor III
🚨 Important Information for Both Courses
- Application Deadline: **October 15, 2025**
- Students will be notified by the deadline of their acceptance into the class.
- **DO NOT register in SMOKE until you are instructed to do so.**
Required Textbook:
All students are required to purchase the **Jones and Bartlett Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 3rd Edition** with a valid **Navigate2 Access Code**.
Textbooks can be purchased from the Michigan State Fireman’s Association by calling **(800) 445-3844**.
United States Coast Guard Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting – 2025 / 2025 Dates
Please see the FLYER here.
- Congratulations to all the 2023-2024 Firefighter and EMT Graduates! Please watch the video here: Class of 2023-2024
Facebook Posts
The Fire Class for tonight has been rescheduled. No Class Tonight!
Students see your email regarding schedule changes!
Fire Instructor 3 class that finished with their written exam and practical presentations yesterday. Congrats!
We are looking for 2 helpers for the maritime practical training tomorrow. Must be fire 1 & 2. Let us know if you can help. Thanks