FIRE SAFETY Merit Badge
Scouts BSA · Hosted at the Mascoutah Fire Station
Earn your Fire Safety Merit Badge with hands-on instruction from working firefighters. Covering the complete Scouting America syllabus — from fire science to extinguisher operation to campsite safety.
Real Firefighters, Real Skills
The Mascoutah Fire Department is proud to support Scouts BSA in earning the Fire Safety Merit Badge — one of the most practical and potentially life-saving badges a Scout can earn. Our program is led by a certified merit badge counselor from the department and delivered at our fire station, so Scouts get to work alongside real firefighters in the environment where our crews train every week.
Scouts don't just read about the fire tetrahedron — they see the science in action. They don't just describe how to use an extinguisher — they actually operate one under the watch of an instructor. And when the syllabus calls for a fire station visit, it happens right here. The ten-section syllabus is delivered in a mix of classroom discussion, hands-on stations, and live demonstrations.
Open to individual Scouts and to troops who want to schedule a group session. Please note: following Scouting America's Guide to Advancement, at least one parent/guardian or another Scout/adult must be present during counseling per Youth Protection guidelines.
Meet the Instructor
Firefighter Dan Houde
FF Houde leads the Mascoutah Fire Department's BSA Fire Safety Merit Badge program. A Firefighter/Paramedic with the department since 2024, Dan was named Mascoutah FD's 2025 Firefighter of the Year for his dedication to training, community outreach, and response excellence. He brings real-world experience — including vehicle extrication, structure fire suppression, and emergency medical response — directly into the classroom.
Merit Badge Syllabus
The Fire Safety Merit Badge covers ten requirement categories defined by Scouting America. We teach the full syllabus across our sessions — here's a quick overview of each section. For the complete, current requirements, see the official Scouting America page.
Science & Hazards of Fire
The fire tetrahedron, products of combustion, the life cycle of a fire, and the three methods of heat transfer.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire classifications, matching the right extinguisher to the right fire, and hands-on demonstration of extinguisher and fire blanket use.
Fire-Related Injuries
Stop, drop, roll, cool, and call. Clothing fires, burn prevention, airway burns, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Origins of Fires
The four classifications — natural, accidental, incendiary, and undetermined — and how incendiary fires can lead to arson charges.
Fire Safety at Home
Common home fire causes, seasonal hazards, candle safety, smoke and CO alarm maintenance, home fire-escape planning, and reporting fires.
Flammable & Combustible Liquids
Identifying, storing, refueling, and safely disposing of flammable liquids found around the home and garage.
Fire Safety in Public Buildings
How public buildings are designed for fire safety, the systems and equipment you'll find inside, and what to do in an emergency.
Fire Safety at Camp
Leave No Trace, safe match handling, flint and steel, charcoal fires, fire lays, camp stove use, and teaching a fire skill to another Scout using the EDGE method.
Wildland Fires
Causes and prevention of wildland fires, plus the social, economic, and environmental consequences when they occur.
Careers
An in-person fire station visit with real firefighters — or research into three fire-service careers and what it takes to enter the field.
What to Expect
Where
Mascoutah Fire Station
224 N Railway Street
Mascoutah, IL 62258
Duration
Typically one full session or split across two evenings, depending on troop size and prework completion.
Come Prepared
Read the merit badge pamphlet ahead of time and bring a completed workbook if you have one.
What to Wear
Field uniform (Class B), long pants, and closed-toe shoes. We may run hands-on stations outside.
Hands-On Stations
Live extinguisher practice, fire blanket demo, apparatus tour, and SCBA/turnout gear walk-through.
Youth Protection
Two-deep leadership is maintained at all times. Parents/guardians are welcome to attend.
Syllabus & Resources
Scouting America provides the official requirements and a free merit badge pamphlet. Review these before your session — having a head start on the reading makes the hands-on portions even more valuable.
Official Requirements
Current syllabus from Scouting America
Merit Badge Pamphlet
Free PDF from Scouting America
Worksheet
Fillable workbook from USSSP
Home Safety Checklist
MFD's checklist — useful for requirement 5d
Fire Prevention Guide
MFD's home fire prevention training page
All Merit Badges
Full merit badge directory at scouting.org
Ready to Schedule a Session?
Troop leaders, Scoutmasters, and individual Scouts — contact us to book a Fire Safety Merit Badge session at the station. We'll coordinate with your unit, confirm counselor availability with FF Houde, and get a date on the calendar.