The U.S. Fire Administration's National Fire Academy has launched a new Web-based online training system called NFAOnline. NFAOnline provides an easy, one-stop Web site where fire and emergency services personnel, first responders, emergency management personnel, and the general public will find free training and education programs that they can complete at their own pace.

"Now is the time for us to embrace the future and improve our education through distance learning," said NFA Superintendent Dr. Denis Onieal in a press release. "NFAOnline provides another option to help further the professionalism of the nation's fire and emergency services and strengthen their ability to combat all hazard emergencies."

NFAOnline provides a user-friendly training system with technical support and the ability for the student to immediately print a certificate and transcript. The primary effort of NFAOnline is to make available training and materials for the fire service, particularly those unable to attend resident courses in Emmitsburg, Md.

There are currently eight courses available on NFAOnline. Additional courses are in development and will be added in coming weeks. Course subjects include fire prevention, fire service supervision, incident management (ICS 100 and ICS 200), emergency response to terrorist incidents, and emergency medical services. These courses will no longer be available through the NETC Virtual Campus; all students must enroll through NFA Online.

To enroll, visit NFAOnline and select "New Students."