Written for firefighters by firefighters! This is not simply an advertising slogan — it is the
way that International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) manuals have been written and
validated for 80 years. In order to produce new and revised IFSTA manuals, a collaborative effort
is required between the staff members at Oklahoma State University’s Fire Protection Publications
(FPP) and members of the IFSTA validating committee assigned to that project.
IFSTA committee members are subject-matter experts from all areas of the fire industry who provide
assistance in reviewing and approving draft chapters for new manuals. Committee members
also provide assistance in obtaining research materials, photographs, and other information
needed to produce a finished manual. Committees typically complete their work in a one- to two year
time frame, during which two to four in-person and several electronic web-based meetings
may be held. Meetings held in conjunction with the July IFSTA Validation Conference are
attended at the member’s own expense. Committee members may be reimbursed by FPP
for transportation and lodging expenses for the IFSTA Winter Meeting.