Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents can now apply for a spot in the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service's Community Fire Academy, a program that gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at how local firefighters and paramedics operate.

Spots are limited.

MCFRS Chief Spokesperson Pete Piringer announced on X on Thursday, Aug. 6, that the application window is open and urged residents to apply immediately. The fall session runs from Wednesday, Sept. 16, through Wednesday, Nov. 18, meeting one evening per week.

The program is open to any member of the public, not just aspiring firefighters or EMTs.

Participants will train alongside MCFRS personnel on CPR and Narcan administration, firefighting protective equipment and breathing apparatus, fire scene operations, mobile integrated health and fire and explosives investigations. The curriculum also includes visits to multiple fire stations, the Emergency Communications Center, the Public Safety Training Academy, the Central Maintenance Facility and Community Risk Reduction operations.

Piringer described the academy as a chance for community members to experience the department's public safety operations from an insider's perspective. MCFRS has framed the program as a community engagement initiative distinct from traditional ride-alongs or open houses.

The application deadline falls sometime in September, though MCFRS has not published a specific cutoff date. The department said space is limited and urged residents to apply as soon as possible.

Applications are available on the MCFRS Community Fire Academy page.