Toms River Fire Training Center

A state-approved training center serving Ocean County - providing real-world instruction, hands-on application, and programs built for today’s fire service.

About Our Facilities

The Administration Building serves as the hub of the training center, housing the offices of the Fire Training Center leadership along with multiple classrooms designed to support simultaneous courses. Two of the classrooms are separated by a movable partition, allowing the space to expand into a larger lecture area capable of accommodating high-attendance programs.

Training Areas

Step into a training environment built to mirror the real world.

Located on the west side of the Administration Building, our indoor training area provides a versatile, all-weather space designed for hands-on learning. With three overhead doors for apparatus access and built-in bleacher seating, this space allows students to train, observe, and learn in a dynamic and interactive setting.

This area is where fundamentals are built and refined. PPE donning, SCBA operations, ropes and knots, and salvage and overhaul are all performed under instructor guidance in a controlled and realistic environment.

The centerpiece of the training center is our four-story burn building, designed to challenge firefighters at every level. Featuring multiple rooms, stairwells, and search areas along with a dedicated high-rise stair tower, this structure supports realistic fireground operations from initial size-up through suppression and overhaul.

With four designated live fire areas utilizing Class A materials, students gain critical experience operating in heat, smoke, and zero visibility conditions while building confidence and decision-making skills that translate directly to the fireground.

Additional Training Areas

Our facility goes beyond the basics, offering specialized training environments that prepare firefighters for the full scope of today’s job:

SCBA Maze Building
Push your limits with both beginner and advanced confidence courses designed to simulate disorientation and restricted movement
Extrication Training Pad
A large dedicated space for vehicle rescue operations with a covered observation area and rehab support
Propane Training Props
Realistic gas-fed fire scenarios including vehicle fires and cylinder burns for controlled and high-impact training
Class A Burn Props
Outdoor dumpster prop for repeated hands-on live fire evolutions
Technical Rescue Grounds
Expansive space for trench rescue, structural collapse, vehicle incidents, and multi-discipline scenarios

Train with purpose. Train with realism. Train where it counts.

Available Courses

Our training center offers a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of today’s fire service. Courses can be hosted at our facility or coordinated for delivery at your department.

Core Firefighter Training

Firefighter I
Firefighter II
Firefighter Refresher Programs

Fire Officer & Leadership Development

Fire Officer I, II, III
Company Officer Development
Strategy and Tactics for Initial Company Operations

Instructor Development

Fire Service Instructor I and II
Live Fire Instructor
Educational Methodology and Course Design

Rescue & Special Operations

Vehicle Extrication
Technical Rescue Awareness, Operations, Technician
Rope Rescue Operations
Confined Space Rescue
Trench Rescue
Structural Collapse Rescue

Fireground Operations & Tactics

Engine Company Operations
Truck Company Operations
Search and Rescue
Ventilation Techniques
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) Operations
Mayday and Firefighter Survival

Hazardous Materials

Hazardous Materials Awareness
Hazardous Materials Operations
Decontamination Operations

Emergency Services Support & Safety

Incident Command System (ICS)
NIMS Compliance Courses
Accountability and Command
Fireground Safety and Risk Management

Specialty & Advanced Training

SCBA Confidence and Survival
Thermal Imaging Camera Operations
High-Rise Operations
Building Construction for the Fire Service

Introductory Firefighting Training

Becoming a firefighter in Toms River starts with a strong foundation.

All members complete over 300 hours of Firefighter I and II training in accordance with New Jersey state requirements. Led by state-certified instructors, this program prepares firefighters with the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to operate safely and effectively on the fireground.

The Firefighter I and II program is offered multiple times each year, including both daytime and evening options to accommodate varying schedules. Additional advanced courses are delivered each semester, along with required annual training to maintain operational readiness.

Host a Class

Looking to bring training to your department? We can work with you to schedule and deliver programs tailored to your members and operational needs.

Contact us to request a course or build a custom training program.

Ready to get started? Register for open enrollment courses or request use of the Live Fire Training Building below: https://tomsriverfire.org/academy-signup/

Toms River Fire Training Center Training Videos

Training Course
Registration Process

Registration for the training center is open to Toms River, Ocean County, and out‑of‑county firefighters. Registration for any course listed may be done through the registration form below. All registration forms must be approved by the chief prior to submission. No walk‑ins will be allowed to attend any class.

Training Center Emergency Closings

If the training center is forced to suspend operations (inclement weather, natural disaster, etc.), a notice of closing will be available through the following methods:

Email Notifications
Pager Announcements
Facebook
Radio Stations
Call Toms River Fire Dispatch Center at (732) 349-2285

Every effort will be made to reschedule suspended classes at the earliest available date. Students will be informed of the rescheduling when the class meets next.

Training Center Emergency Closings

If the training center is forced to suspend operations (inclement weather, natural disaster, etc.), a notice of closing will be available through the following methods:

Email Notifications
Pager Announcements
Facebook
Radio Stations
Call Toms River Fire Dispatch Center at (732) 349-2285

Every effort will be made to reschedule suspended classes at the earliest available date. Students will be informed of the rescheduling when the class meets next.

Directions to the Toms River Fire Training Center (TRFTC)

From the North

Option 1:

Exit 89B toward Brick/Lakehurst onto RT-70 West

Turn right toward New Hampshire Ave/CR-623.

Turn right onto New Hampshire Ave (CR-623).

Continue on New Hampshire Ave (CR-623).

Turn left onto Church Rd (CR-620). About 1.5 miles on Left

Option 2:

Exit 89A to Toward Brick onto Rt-70 East

Turn Right onto Shorrock , will turn into Beaverson Blvd.

Make a Right onto Brick Blvd(CR-549), will turn into Hooper Ave.

Make a Right onto Church Road(CR-620) about 1.5 miles on right.

From the South

Take the Garden State Parkway north to Exit 83. Take Lakewood Road (State Highway Route 9) north approximately three miles to Route 9. Turn right onto Church Road and follow the road east under the Garden State Parkway. The training center is on the left about ½ past the parkway.

From the West

Take Route 70 east to New Hampshire Avenue. Turn right onto New Hampshire Avenue and travel south for approximately three miles to Church Road.