Learn about the typical responsibilities of a firefighter and opportunities to advance in this field.
While popular dramas often show firefighters rushing into burning building, the daily work of a firefighter goes far beyond what is shown on tv. From disaster preparedness, to medical response, to serving as educators, firefighters do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep our communities safe.
Firefighters are on call to respond to a variety of emergencies. In fact, the majority of emergencies that firefighters respond to are medical issues, not fires. This means it’s essential that firefighters are trained emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Their duties don’t end once they return to the fire station. They prepare for future emergencies by maintaining tools and fire vehicles, running drills, and staying in shape for the demands of the job. They also go out into the community to provide public education on things like fire prevention. Some firefighters also specialize to respond to specific disasters, such as wildfires and oil spills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for firefighters across all industries in 2015 was $46,870 per year. The vast majority of firefighters work for federal or municipal fire departments, which come with benefits such as a pension plan, health insurance, and paid vacation time.
However, firefighting positions in the private sector are on the rise. There is a growing trend for federal and state agencies to contract with private companies for fire services, and some insurance companies also hire firefighters to protect households from wildfires. Oil companies are another private employer of experienced firefighters. This dangerous job involves battling fires in oil wells, and comes with a higher salary as a result of the risk.
Firefighters sacrifice a lot to serve their communities. Long and varied hours are common, with shifts that can last 48 hours. They might spend days at a disaster scene to help victims. As firefighters gain experience, they can move up in the ranks of the fire department, moving through several stages from engineer all the way up to chief. Other possibilities include becoming a fire inspector or investigator.
References
“Firefighter.” Oilandgascareersnow.com. Accessed March 21, 2017.
“Firefighters.” Bureau of Labor Statistics. Accessed March 21, 2017.
“Our History.” National Wildfire Suppression Association. Accessed November 16, 2021.
FAQs
From disaster preparedness, to medical response, to serving as educators, firefighters do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep our communities safe. Firefighters are on call to respond to a variety of emergencies. In fact, the majority of emergencies that firefighters respond to are medical issues, not fires.
What does the firefighter do? ›
Put out fires using water hoses, fire extinguishers, and water pumps. Find and rescue occupants of burning buildings or other emergency situations. Treat sick or injured people. Prepare written reports about emergency incidents.
What are 3 facts about firefighters for kids? ›
Firefighters are trained to control and put out fires. Firefighters must work quickly and as a team to keep fires from spreading. They connect hoses to fire hydrants and operate pumps to power the hoses to help control the fire. They may also need to rescue people who are trapped inside burning buildings.
What do firefighters do when not fighting fires? ›
Firefighters also participate in fire safety inspections and drive the community to become familiar with the area to reduce response time during incidents. Firefighters must also check and maintain their equipment and clean and maintain their stations.
Is it hard to become a firefighter in Florida? ›
General Requirements
Aspiring firefighters must be at least 18 years old, must possess a valid State of Florida driver's license, current CPR/ACLS certification, and able to pass a physical examination designed to test their suitability for working in this physically demanding fields.
What does a firefighter do everyday? ›
During the 12 to 24 hours on duty, personnel run calls, train, shower, eat and sleep at the fire station. Firefighters have a wide range of responsibilities, not only to hone the skills required of firefighting and medical emergencies, but also for the upkeep of the firehouse, equipment, and all the apparatus.
Do firefighters sleep on duty? ›
For starters, firefighters who work 12-hour shifts will not be sleeping on shift. However, for departments that run 24-hour shift schedules, there is usually an opportunity to sleep on shift if there are no emergencies or calls. Sleeping on shift is dependent on both the fire station and the fire department.
Is 21 too old to be a firefighter? ›
Here are a few basic requirements needed for individuals to become a firefighter in California: Be at least 18 years old to become a seasonal and temporary classification firefighter. Be at least 21 years of age to obtain a permanent firefighter position. Be a United States citizen.
Is 26 too old to become a firefighter? ›
Meet basic requirements to become a firefighter
For those younger than 18, you can look into limited involvement as a junior firefighter. There also will likely be a maximum age, usually between 28 and 35 years old, depending on the department you're applying to.
How many firefighters died in a year? ›
In 2022, there were 96 fatalities among firefighters while on duty in the United States, up from 70 in the previous year.
Walk, don't run.
Nurses, police officers, firefighters and paramedics are all taught that it is more important to stay focused and safe than it is to rush to the scene. They know all too well that when we rush, we fail to factor in the crucial details required to do the job.
Do firefighters not sleep? ›
Much of a firefighter's job relies not just on their physical strength, but their mental acuity as well, making sleep a necessary activity.
What do firefighters suffer from? ›
As California's wildfires intensify and burn year-round, its firefighters suffer from the increasing strain of post-traumatic stress. Decisions made while struggling with lack of sleep, long hours and stress could endanger not just the crews, but the public, too.
Can firefighters have beards? ›
Facial hair (like beards and sideburns) affect the seal on Respiratory Protection Equipment (RPE). This includes BA and face masks. Therefore all operational staff must be clean shaven, to guarantee a complete and safe face seal.
Can firefighters smoke in Florida? ›
In 1989 the PFFF succeeded in getting a landmark bill passed requiring that new fire fighters be non-users of tobacco for at least one year prior to application.
Can you be a firefighter with asthma? ›
Abstract. Background: Firefighter applicants (FFAs) with a history of asthma may be refused entry to the fire service because of potentially putting themselves and others at risk.
How often do firefighters fight fires? ›
Firefighters from the least busy firehalls responded to approximately eight structural fires per year or 19 fires of all kinds, spending 15.1 hour/yr per firefighter at fires.
Is firefighter a stressful job? ›
The job of wildland firefighting can often be stressful and sometimes traumatic. In the wildland fire environment, conditions can take a toll on mental health. It is vital to mental fitness to address feeling overwhelmed by stress and trauma before they become a mental health issue.
What skills do firefighters need? ›
A Firefighter must have good judgment, good communication skills, demonstrate mechanical aptitude, basic math skills, and ability to understand and learn firefighting material.
What do firefighters do at night? ›
As night starts to break through, most firefighters are completing their work and eating some dinner. Once the clock hits 10 pm, most of them go to bed to try and get some rest between the calls that come between midnight and 7:00 am. The late hours should be used to rest if you are not on the night shift.
