More than 300,000 professional firefighters work in the United States. They save millions of lives as well as properties a year from damage. So, in this post, we will take you on a journey teaching you all you need to know to become a top-notch firefighter.
Who is a Firefighter?
Firefighters are the trained professionals you call at the scene of a fire or emergency. For this reason, they rely on advanced tools and equipment to handle the situation. A firefighter is a trained emergency response specialist who serves to protect public life as well as property.
What does a Firefighter do? | Job Description
Just like law enforcement officers, firefighters work first and foremost to protect lives, and then they turn their attention to protecting property. But, not against crime but against fire and emergency situations. At the scene of a fire, firefighters have many duties. So, they use their equipment to ensure that water goes where it is needed. Also, firefighters rescue victims trapped in buildings or other structures and administer emergency medical treatment when needed. They attempt to salvage the burning structure and any of its contents. When not responding to a fire or emergency call, firefighters clean and maintain equipment, perform fire drills, as well as complete paperwork relevant to emergency incidents. Although fighting fires might be their main job description, firefighters often engage in different activities like So, the overall duty of a firefighter include:
Where does a Firefighter work? | Available Careers
As a firefighter, you can work across various emergency response departments across the federal and state levels. You can also work in rural areas or smaller towns. Volunteer firefighters also share the same duties as paid firefighters and can work in various areas too. So, generally, firefighters work in the following areas:
Local government, excluding education and hospitalsAdministrative and support servicesThe state government, excluding education and hospitalsThe federal government, excluding postal services
When responding to an emergency, these workers often wear protective gear, which can be very heavy and hot. When not in the field, firefighters work at fire stations, where they sleep, eat, work on equipment, and remain on call. Whenever an alarm sounds, firefighters respond, regardless of the weather or time of day.
How Much Does a Firefighter Make? | Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for firefighters in April 2022 is $47,944. Across various levels, here are the annual pays across various levels:
Local government, excluding education and hospitals | $50,310 Administrative and support services | $30,260 The state government, excluding education and hospitals | $50,660 The federal government, excluding postal services | $52,290
Other related careers in firefighting include:
Forestry Fire Prevention Specialist | $36,650Building Inspector | $57,340Arson Investigator | $56,730Paramedic | $31,980
Moreso, the employment of firefighters is projected to grow 5 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. According to BLS, there are over 332,400 professionals employed in this field in the US. Although improved building materials and building codes have resulted in a long-term decrease in fire fatalities, firefighters will still be needed to respond to fires. Fires can spread very quickly, so controlling them quickly is very important.
What are the requirements To Become a FireFighter?
There are varying requirements for firefighters for different jurisdictions, but generally, the basic requirement to become a firefighter are:
What are the Educational Requirement For A Fire Fighters?
While education and training vary across different jurisdictions, it is important to get a fire science degree to create more career opportunities for you. Fire Science majors at the bachelor’s level may also combine classroom study with field training and/or an internship. They also study many aspects of the fire service profession, such as fire behavior, fire extinguishment, rescue procedures, and environmental policy. Common courses, in addition to general education classes, include:
Fire PreventionEmergency ManagementFire InvestigationThe Fire ControlFire Chemistry and PhysicsHazardous Materials ManagementDisaster and Fire Defense Planning
Also, some colleges work with local fire departments to offer a short part-time fire service pre-recruitment course in their fire academy.
Fire Science Certifications
Although a license is not necessary to be a firefighter, prospective firefighters will undergo tests and training. So, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers many voluntary certifications, including:
Certified Fire Protection SpecialistThe Certified Fire InspectorCertified Fire Inspector, IIThe Certified Fire Plan ExaminerCertified Building InspectorThe Certified Building Plans Examiner
Also, if you want to further our career in fighting fire with a fire science degree, here are the best schools that offer a bachelors’ degree program:
What are the Skills That a Firefighter Should have?
As a firefighter, there are basic skills you must possess to do this job effectively, and they include that you must:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Firefighter?
Depending on the training program, it takes a period of 3 to 4 months to become a firefighter. Or up to 5 years, if you want to get advanced pre-employment training and experience a longer application process. However, to become a full firefighter paramedic who acquires a four-year fire-sciences degree takes generally up to 7 years.
What is the cost of becoming a Firefighter?
Generally, the tuition cost to acquire a fire science degree is $5,300. Additional costs include bunker gear purchase or rental which can range from $400 to $1,500; uniforms at $150 to $300 and books as well as class supplies which can cost anywhere from $100 to $200.
How Hard is the Firefighter Job?
Honestly, it depends on whether you are working as a part-time or full-time firefighter. As a full-time firefighter, you usually work 42 hours a week, doing day and night shifts to cover the 24-hours service. This job can really be demanding and stressful so you need to stay physically and mentally fit at all times. Sometimes, you also will work in very uncomfortable situations and under all kinds of weather. Hazardous conditions are the norm for a firefighter, who might encounter life-threatening fumes, smoke, or fire during any work shift. That’s why before you decide to become a firefighter you need to do a Gut-check first! Be sure that this is really what you want to do.
How to Become a FireFighter
Firstly, you must understand that becoming a firefighter is really no joke! So, you have to religiously follow the laid down steps outlined here.
Get the Minimum Requirements
It’s important for you to get at least a high school diploma or GED. Also, you must hold a valid driver’s license. Of course, you must be physically fit and at least 18 years of age to apply, and an examination can be carried out to ensure that they have a clean record.
#1 Volunteer For Recruitments
Many firefighters you ask would tell that they started off their firefighter careers as volunteers. Some firefighter departments often have openings for the recruitment of volunteers, including community service. According to the National Fire Protection Association, about two-thirds of firefighters were volunteer firefighters in 2015. As a volunteer firefighter, you can build vital professional contacts in the trade. The fastest way to become a firefighter is really to interact with the local firefighters. So, this can give you a good background when applying to be one.
#2 Acquire an EMT/CPR training
Getting an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license is a requirement for firefighters, who are often called out for emergency medical situations, in most areas. EMT is often a multi-level process, but requirements vary by state. Also, it is imperative you take a CPR class at the American Red Cross or other agencies that offer this training. Having a Red Cross card can boost your chances of handling some tough work at the fire stations as well as getting in the door as a new firefighter recruit.
#3 Take Tests And Apply For Work
For you to be hired as a firefighter, you must undergo the screening test which is usually a physical as well as a written test. The hiring process is usually lengthy as qualified candidates are interviewed and undergo further rigorous evaluation. You must also pass a rigorous physical fitness test. For this reason, you should be able to perform a distance run in an allotted period of time, climb flights of stairs at a rapid pace and lift and carry up to 200 pounds.
#4 Enroll In The Fire Academy
Though a great part of training is done at the firehouse to which a firefighter is hired or assigned to work, enrolling in a fire academy offers the opportunity to focus on the classroom as well as hands-on work. So, courses cover topics that might not be covered by firehouse training, such as hazardous materials control or anti-arson techniques.
#5 Get a Fire Science Degree
If you want to further your career in fire science, paramedics, or advance to leadership roles within firefighting agencies, then you should consider getting an associate and bachelor’s degree program at colleges as well as universities that offer them.
#6 Advance in your Profession
Of course, to rise in ranks in the fire department you must devote more time to your work and more training. You can rise to even the role of an engineer or a fire chief from being a firefighter. So, it’s important to get more advanced certifications in this field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for firefighters was $47,944 in April 2022. Depending on the training program, it takes about 4-6 months to become a firefighter. The job of a firefighter can be very demanding. Sometimes you will be required to work under very hard conditions. So, you must be very physically fit and mentally tough. The best wy to become a firefighter is to join as a volunteer firefighter. Career firefighters benefit from medical and dental coverage for themselves as well as their family members.
Conclusion
Firefighters are regarded as heroes in society as they protect life and property against fire hazards. However, to become a firefighter requires rigorous training and commitment.
References
Fire Science Online – How To Be A Firefighter Learn How To Become – How To Become A Firefighter Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Handbook Seek Career Advice – Firefighter
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