The Louisiana Fire & Emergency Training Academy (FETA) was created by the Louisiana Legislative Act 84 of 1963 "to equip, operate, and maintain an in-service Firemen Training Program." Act 32, passed in 1970, gave the training program one-fourth of 1% of all fire insurance paid in the state, the money to be used "solely for the expenses in connection with the in-service Firemen Training Program and the necessary facilities in connection therewith." Throughout history, the FETA has served the people of Louisiana, the region, and the nation through extensive fire service training programs that encompass instruction, research and public service.

The training center is situated on 80 acres of land with training grounds designed to offer a large variety of fire, rescue, and emergency response training. FETA's main campus is located at 6868 Nicholson Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70820. During the Spring of 2007, a second campus was opened in Minden. The Minden campus, known as Pine Country, is located at 214 Dutch Harbor Minden, LA 71055.

The institute provides training to paid and volunteer fire service personnel throughout the state. Training is also provided to industrial fire and safety personnel, as well as to other emergency responders. The curriculum ranges from basic firefighting skills to advanced technical training in rescue and hazardous materials and fire officer training. The duration of courses varies from a 3-hour class to a 14-week course.