How to Become a Firefighter

Firefighters perform a wide variety of administrative and technical tasks in support of fire suppression, hazardous materials, emergency medical and other emergency services. They also provide highly responsible prevention activities including crash fire rescue, inspections and security. They operate and maintain a variety of firefighting equipment and vehicles and prepare reports regarding emergency incidents. The career requires the ability to think fast, communicate clearly and keep calm in stressful situations.

People have fought fires since valuable things have burned, but organized firefighting dates back only to the Roman Republic when Augustus revolutionized the profession by establishing a paid, professional public service with uniformed personnel and standard equipment. Modern fire departments typically have similar structures to police or military services, with sworn members reporting to a chain of command and the ability to respond to any incident as needed.

Whether it’s climbing up the side of a burning skyscraper to rescue a trapped individual, or braving a wildfire in the forest, firefighters face dangerous conditions and intense physical demands. To be a firefighter, you need to have a high level of strength, endurance and skill that can be developed through training and experience.

Firefighting duties and responsibilities are highly diverse and depend on the environment in which they work, but most firefighters are required to respond to emergency calls. They are often required to work in teams, but may be called individually based on the severity of the situation. Firefighters are also required to wear specialized protective gear, which is typically sized and fitted according to their department’s standard operating procedures.

While firefighting equipment is generally well maintained by a fire department, there are certain items that are the responsibility of each individual firefighter. They are usually required to conduct a periodic risk assessment of their personal protective equipment to ensure it meets the requirements of the fire department’s standard operating procedures. During this assessment, they are also required to determine what additional equipment is necessary to safely and effectively perform their duties.

Another important duty is educating the public on fire safety and prevention. This can be done in a number of ways, including public workshops and speaking to students at local schools. Firefighters are also responsible for maintaining and testing firefighting equipment, such as hoses and pumps.

Firefighters typically undergo a rigorous training process before they are hired by their fire department. They must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent and have corrected 20/20 vision. In addition, they must pass a background investigation, drug screening and a physical examination. The final step is completing the firefighting academy, which typically includes classroom learning, hands-on training with equipment and physical drills. Prospective firefighters may choose to attend a firefighting academy sponsored by their local government, wilderness fire agencies, state fire organizations or fire-equipment manufacturers and suppliers. Firefighting is a demanding and challenging job, but it can be very rewarding. The adrenaline rush of working in an emergency situation can be very satisfying, and the job offers competitive compensation and benefits.