How to Become a Firefighter

Firefighters save lives and property by fighting fires, but they do a lot more than that. They also respond to hazardous materials incidents, road traffic accidents, medical emergencies and floods. They fit smoke alarms, educate the public on fire prevention and work closely with police forces to keep our roads collision-free. It is no surprise that they are a highly skilled and respected profession.

Despite being an extremely fulfilling career, being a firefighter is not for everyone. It is physically demanding and exposes firefighters to dangerous conditions. The job requires the ability to think quickly and make effective decisions under pressure. They often work long shifts in a variety of conditions and are exposed to extreme temperatures, loud noises and hazardous chemicals. The physical demands of the job require a high level of fitness and the use of specialist equipment such as axes, hydraulic tools, breathing apparatus and hoses. The job can be extremely stressful, especially in high-stress situations such as working in buildings under construction or at the scene of a major disaster.

To become a firefighter, you will usually need to meet the basic requirements set by your local fire department or provincial/territorial government, which typically include corrected 20/20 eyesight and a high school diploma or equivalent. You will then need to complete a firefighter training program in a fire academy that follows your country’s standards.

The basic firefighter training includes basic life support (BLS) skills, emergency medical care and the ability to use specialized rescue equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and cutting tools. Firefighters are trained to assess and handle hazardous materials emergencies as well, and can implement decontamination procedures to mitigate the effects of these events on the community and environment.

Fighting fires involves a complex process that is constantly evolving. The firefighting team must be able to locate and communicate with people trapped in burning buildings, keep an eye on fellow crew members and the command center, and navigate through thick, dark smoke and debris. The firefighting team must also identify the best way to extinguish a fire, using water streams mixed with appropriate fire-extinguishing agents.

Firefighters may be called upon to fight wildfires in rural areas or to assist in forest fire control efforts in developed nations such as the United States and Australia. They are also responsible for reducing the risk to communities by conducting fire code inspections and educating citizens during events such as Fire Prevention Week(tm).

A career in firefighting offers many opportunities for promotion. Firefighters who excel at their jobs and receive continuous professional development may advance to positions such as engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant fire chief or fire chief. Having advanced certifications and college degrees in fire science can also improve your career prospects. Many firefighters start their careers by volunteering for their local fire departments. This can help you learn about the profession, network with other firefighters and gain hands-on experience in the types of situations that they face.