How to Become a Firefighter

Firefighters are the brave men and women who put out accidental blazes, provide emergency medical assistance, and work to prevent the spread of fire and other disasters. The career requires a high level of physical fitness, as well as mental and emotional stability to deal with dangerous and stressful situations. Those who have a strong desire to serve their community find fulfillment in this life-saving profession.

Firemen are called upon to respond to many different types of emergencies, including structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical incidents, hazardous materials incidents and natural disasters. They often use teamwork to assess situations, make quick decisions and execute efficient response strategies.

In addition to battling flames, firefighters are called on to perform other duties that include responding to public fire safety requests, conducting inspections of homes and businesses and providing fire safety education. They are also responsible for maintaining their equipment and performing housekeeping tasks at the station. Firefighters must be able to communicate effectively and work under strict deadlines in fast-paced environments.

How to become a firefighter

The qualifications that you need to pursue a career as a firefighter typically begin with a high school diploma or GED certificate, as well as a background check free of any serious criminal convictions. You can then enroll in a fire academy to learn the skills and knowledge that are necessary to succeed in this career. The academy curriculum generally includes classroom learning, practical skills acquisition and hands-on experience with actual fire simulators in a controlled setting. Firefighters are required to undergo physical training in order to demonstrate their strength, physical stamina and ability to handle heavy equipment.

During an interview, you will likely be asked to complete written and verbal assessments, participate in a background investigation, drug screening and a physical aptitude test. You may also be required to complete a psychological examination. Once hired, you must be prepared to work around-the-clock for emergency calls, including holidays.

There are many rewards and benefits to working as a firefighter, in addition to the financial compensation and stability that the job offers. For example, firefighters are highly respected by society, and they often have a sense of personal satisfaction that comes from making a difference in people’s lives. Firefighters also enjoy the opportunity to build a strong career and develop a variety of important skills in this occupation. The average salary for a firefighter is $48,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In addition to this pay scale, your specific job responsibilities will determine the amount of money that you earn. The BLS estimates that the number of jobs available in this field is expected to increase by 10% over the next decade. This means that there will be roughly 25,700 new firefighter positions created annually. Moreover, firefighters can also choose to advance into supervisory or managerial roles within their departments. The salary for these positions is higher and varies by state.