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Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue announced it is accepting applications for its 2009 Fire Academy, an eight-month program for people interested in a career with the department.

Public Education Coordinator Deb Funston said the academy involves about three hours of instruction a week; participants leave the academy as a certified firefighter prepared to take a job with the department, should one open up.

"It is a huge time commitment," Funston said. "Besides that, I think it's a lot of fun."

Those interested should call the Mountain Fire Station at 879-7170 to speak with a recruit adviser. Applications are due by April 1, and applicants must be at least 21 years old. Eight people participated in last year's academy, Funston said, and one now is a full-time employee at the department.

There are no openings at this time. According to the city's 2009 adopted budget, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue saw no staff increases this year. The fire suppression and emergency medical services budget decreased by 2.8 percent. Full- and part-time firefighters earn between $13.28 and $31.58 an hour, according to the budget.

For those interested in a more informal look at what it means to be a firefighter, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue also is holding, for the first time, a "career day" May 16.

"It's kind of a day to let the public know what the fire department does," said firefighter Craig Malchow, who is leading the event. "We're just trying to educate the public on what we do : just so people can meet the men and women who serve them day in and day out."

In addition to classroom instruction, Malchow said there will be lots of hands-on training and demonstrations. The day will conclude with a cookout. Participants will have a chance to try on fire gear, use a fire hose, participate in scenarios, and there will be demonstrations about how to use fire extinguishers.

"A lot of people have them in their house collecting dust," Malchow said, "but they don't know how to use them or maintain them."

Malchow got the idea from his parents, who participated in a citizens' academy in Wisconsin for firefighting and law enforcement. Malchow said his brother is a police officer, and his parents gained a whole new appreciation for their sons' careers.

"It kind of opened their eyes up," he said.

Although that program was eight weeks long, Malchow said Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue wanted to start with a one-day event to gauge interest.

"Hopefully over the next couple of years, it will flourish into something bigger," Funston said.

Space is limited to 20 people. For more information about the career day or to reserve a spot, call Malchow at 879-7170.

- To reach Brandon Gee, call 871-4210

or e-mail bgee@steamboatpilot.com