Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

Fire Fighters

A fire fighter is a person who runs into burning buildings and saves people's, and animal's lives. A burning building is a matter of life and death. When most people hear the alarm or see the smoke, they get out as quickly as they can. Firefighters are the ones who run into burning buildings to save lives and quell the blaze. Fire fighters are highly trained individuals who must respond to an emergency call on moment's notice. Their years of hard training and continuos drills allow them to work as a team and save people.

Fire fighters must be prepared for different types of fires, such as a fire at a high rise, or an explosion at a factory that stores hazardous chemicals, or a victim at a restaurant who is choking. They may be required to go into small places, climb really tall ladders and places, and haul 200 pound victims out of fires harm. This could all be done in a days work for a fire fighter.

Becoming a firefighter is a backbreaking accomplishment. Candidates must display above standard physical and mental strength and stamina to withstand pressures of the job. If they are picked, fire fighters must continually train and upgrade their skills as individuals and as a team. They must be able to use and operate equipment, such as axes, hoses, ladders, chain saws and drive large pumper and aerial trucks. They must also learn to read fires in order to safely embrace them and treat the victims who are over come by heat and smoke.

Part of the fire fighter's job is to educate the public in fire prevention. The goal is to boost safety standards and awareness of the dangers of fire. Alongside from fighting fires, other jobs may include fire inspection and prevention, recruiting, administration and preparing emergency plans for special events.

Working Conditions:
Because fire fighting is considered a crucial service, fire fighters schedules reflect the need for a 24 hours a day, 265 days a year commitment. Most fire halls work on a shift system. Where a fire person will work 10 hour days, or 14 hour nights, with a total of 42 hours a week, they may work every other weekend. But they may take a 15-20 day vacation a year.

Since fire fighting can be a very dangerous job, some fire fighters are impaired on the job and a few have been killed. That is why they go under constant training to ensure that the safety precautions and techniques are kept up to date.

Earnings:
Fire fighters are employed by fire departments across the country. Salaries are dependent on the location, experience and the employer. In a large city a fire fighter can make between $35,000 and $55,000 a year. Those with more experience on the job and have higher superiority usually make make more. Captains and fire chiefs can make over $60,000 a year.

Education:
To evolve to be a fire fighter, candidates must pass hard written, oral, physical and medical tests (including hearing, vision and a fitness assessment). These tests measure the degree the candidates have in agility, strength, manual dexterity and, in some cases, fear of heights and closes spaces. Applicants must also have a valid driver's license and a spotless driving record. The class of license required may vary from province to province. CPR and basic first aid certification are also required, but they may be taken after you're hired. Applicants must also have a high school diploma and can't have a criminal record.

Related College & University Programs

Fire fighting

Fire Protection Technology

Fire Protection Administration

Other Suggested Qualifications

Experience as a volunteer firefighter is helpful.

It is highly recommended that you participate in a fitness and strength training program prior to applying for a fire fighting position since strength is needed when carrying fire hoses or injured people.

Related Subjects

Science

Social Sciences

Physical Education

Chemistry

Engineering Technology

Psychology

Sociology

Fire Science

Career Path:

Level 1	Probationary Firefighter
Earnings	$35,000 to $40,000 a year
Requirements	• High school diploma • CPR and first aid certification • Class "D" driver's license with "Z" air brake endorsement • Pass a physical and medical examination and get vaccinations • At least 20/30 eyesight in each eye
Responsibilities	Working under the captain, learning the techniques and drills of a firefighter at both emergency scenes and the fire hall.

Level 2	Firefighter
Earnings	$40,000 to $55,000 a year
Requirements	• One year of experience as a probationary firefighter
Responsibilities	More responsibility at emergency scenes with each year of fire fighting. Duties include: fire fighting; rescuing people in danger; protecting property; performing CPR, first aid and other lifesaving techniques; driving trucks; carrying hoses; setting up ladders; continuing to train and learn new techniques and drills.

Level 3	Captain
Earnings	$55,000+ a year
Requirements	• Fifteen years of service as a firefighter
Responsibilities	Supervising the truck and crew at the fire hall and at emergency scenes. Duties include assessing the fire and delegating responsibilities.

Related Jobs:

Building Inspector

Construction Tradesperson

Home Inspector

Lifeguard

Line worker

Paramedic

Police Officer

Stunt person