Brannfag

Brannfag is a Norwegian term for the field of fire protection and firefighting, encompassing both academic study and professional practice. It refers to the body of knowledge, methods, and training used to prevent, detect, and respond to fires, protecting lives and property.

The scope includes fire science and dynamics, fire prevention and safety planning, building codes and risk assessment, detection and suppression systems, firefighting tactics, rescue operations, hazardous materials handling, and post-fire investigation. It covers both theoretical understanding and practical skills essential for safe operation in high-risk environments.

In Norway, brannfag is integrated into vocational and higher education programs and is also taught within municipal fire services. Training combines theoretical courses with practical exercises and field certifications, preparing graduates for roles such as firefighters, fire inspectors, safety advisors, or fire protection technicians. The discipline often collaborates with civil protection and safety engineering sectors.

The content is shaped by national fire safety regulations, occupational safety rules, and civil protection guidelines, with emphasis on prevention, preparedness, and systematic emergency response. Brannfag thus supports public safety by reducing fire risk, improving incident handling, and ensuring compliance with safety standards across buildings, workplaces, and communities. While the term is most common in Norway and other Nordic contexts, its core concepts align with broader international fire protection and safety disciplines.