Fire Fighting Occupations
- Fire fighting involves hazardous conditions and long, irregular hours.
- About 9 out of 10 fire fighting workers were employed by municipal or
county fire departments.
- Applicants for municipal fire fighting jobs generally must pass written,
physical, and medical examinations.
- Although employment is expected to grow faster than the average, keen
competition for jobs is expected because this occupation attracts many
qualified candidates.
Every year, fires and other emergencies take thousands of lives and destroy
property worth billions of dollars. Fire fighters help protect the public
against these dangers by rapidly responding to a variety of emergencies. They
are frequently the first emergency personnel at the scene of a traffic accident
or medical emergency and may be called upon to put out a fire, treat injuries,
or perform other vital functions.
During duty hours, fire fighters must be prepared to respond immediately to a
fire or any other emergency that arises. Because fighting fires is dangerous and
complex, it requires organization and teamwork. At every emergency scene, fire
fighters perform specific duties assigned by a superior officer. At fires, they
connect hose lines to hydrants, operate a pump to send water to high-pressure
hoses, and position ladders to enable them to deliver water to the fire. They
also rescue victims, provide emergency medical attention as needed, ventilate
smoke-filled areas, and attempt to salvage the contents of buildings. Their
duties may change several times while the company is in action. Sometimes they
remain at the site of a disaster for days at a time, rescuing trapped survivors
and assisting with medical treatment.
Fire fighters work in a variety of settings, including urban and suburban
areas, airports, chemical plants, other industrial sites, and rural areas like
grasslands and forests. They have also assumed a range of responsibilities,
including emergency medical services. In fact, most calls to which fire fighters
respond involve medical emergencies, and 65 percent of all fire departments
provide emergency medical service. In addition, some fire fighters work in
hazardous materials units that are trained for the control, prevention, and
cleanup of materials; for example, these fire fighters respond to oil spills.
(For more information, see the Handbook statement on hazardous material
removal workers.) Workers in urban and suburban areas, airports, and industrial
sites typically use conventional fire fighting equipment and tactics, while
forest fires and major hazardous materials spills call for different methods.
In national forests and parks, forest fire inspectors and prevention
specialists spot fires from watchtowers and report their findings to
headquarters by telephone or radio. Forest rangers patrol to ensure that
travelers and campers comply with fire regulations. When fires break out, crews
of fire fighters are brought in to suppress the blaze with heavy equipment, hand
tools, and water hoses. Fighting forest fires, like fighting urban fires, is
rigorous work. One of the most effective means of battling a blaze is creating
fire linescutting down trees and digging out grass and all other combustible
vegetation in the path of the fire to deprive it of fuel. Elite fire fighters
called smoke jumpers parachute from airplanes to reach otherwise inaccessible
areas. This tactic, however, can be extremely hazardous because the crews have
no way to escape if the wind shifts and causes the fire to burn toward them.
Between alarms, fire fighters clean and maintain equipment, conduct practice
drills and fire inspections, and participate in physical fitness activities.
They also prepare written reports on fire incidents and review fire science
literature to keep abreast of technological developments and changing
administrative practices and policies.
Most fire departments have a fire prevention division, usually headed by a
fire marshal and staffed by fire inspectors. Workers in this division
conduct inspections of structures to prevent fires and ensure compliance with
fire codes. These fire fighters also work with developers and planners to check
and approve plans for new buildings. Fire prevention personnel often speak on
these subjects in schools and before public assemblies and civic organizations.
Some fire fighters become fire investigators, who determine the origin
and causes of fires. They collect evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare
reports on fires in cases where the cause may be arson or criminal negligence.
They often are called upon to testify in court.
Fire fighters spend much of their time at fire stations, which usually have
features in common with a residential facility like a dormitory. When an alarm
sounds, fire fighters respond rapidly, regardless of the weather or hour. Fire
fighting involves the risk of death or injury from sudden cave-ins of floors,
toppling walls, traffic accidents when responding to calls, and exposure to
flames and smoke. Fire fighters also may come in contact with poisonous,
flammable, or explosive gases and chemicals, as well as radioactive or other
hazardous materials that may have immediate or long-term effects on their
health. For these reasons, they must wear protective gear that can be very heavy
and hot.
Work hours of fire fighters are longer and vary more widely than hours of
most other workers. Many work more than 50 hours a week, and sometimes they may
work even longer. In some agencies, fire fighters are on duty for 24 hours, then
off for 48 hours, and receive an extra day off at intervals. In others, they
work a day shift of 10 hours for 3 or 4 days, a night shift of 14 hours for 3 or
4 nights, have 3 or 4 days off, and then repeat the cycle. In addition, fire
fighters often work extra hours at fires and other emergencies and are regularly
assigned to work on holidays. Fire lieutenants and fire captains often work the
same hours as the fire fighters they supervise. Duty hours include time when
fire fighters study, train, and perform fire prevention duties.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement |
Applicants for municipal fire fighting jobs generally must pass a written
exam; tests of strength, physical stamina, coordination, and agility; and a
medical examination that includes drug screening. Workers may be monitored on a
random basis for drug use after accepting employment. Examinations are generally
open to persons who are at least 18 years of age and have a high school
education or the equivalent. Those who receive the highest scores in all phases
of testing have the best chances for appointment. The completion of community
college courses in fire science may improve an applicants chances for
appointment. In recent years, an increasing proportion of entrants to this
occupation have had some postsecondary education.
As a rule, entry-level workers in large fire departments are trained for
several weeks at the departments training center or academy. Through classroom
instruction and practical training, the recruits study fire fighting techniques,
fire prevention, hazardous materials control, local building codes, and
emergency medical procedures, including first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation.
They also learn how to use axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, ladders, and
other fire fighting and rescue equipment. After successfully completing this
training, the recruits are assigned to a fire company, where they undergo a
period of probation.
Almost all departments require fire fighters to be certified as emergency
medical technicians. (For more information, see the Handbook statement on emergency medical technicians and
paramedics.) While most fire departments require the lowest level of
certification, EMT-Basic, larger departments in major metropolitan areas are
increasingly requiring paramedic certification. Some departments include this
training in the fire academy, while others prefer that recruits have EMT
certification beforehand, but will give them up to 1 year to become certified on
their own.
A number of fire departments have accredited apprenticeship programs lasting
up to 4 years. These programs combine formal, technical instruction with
on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced fire fighters.
Technical instruction covers subjects such as fire fighting techniques and
equipment, chemical hazards associated with various combustible building
materials, emergency medical procedures, and fire prevention and safety.
In addition to participating in advanced training programs conducted by local
fire departments, some fire fighters attend training sessions sponsored by the
U.S. National Fire Academy. These training sessions cover topics such as
executive development, anti-arson techniques, disaster preparedness, hazardous
materials control, and public fire safety and education. Some States also have
either voluntary or mandatory fire fighter training and certification programs.
In addition, a number of colleges and universities offer courses leading to 2-
or 4-year degrees in fire engineering or fire science. Many fire departments
offer fire fighters incentives such as tuition reimbursement or higher pay for
completing advanced training.
Among the personal qualities fire fighters need are mental alertness,
self-discipline, courage, mechanical aptitude, endurance, strength, and a sense
of public service. Initiative and good judgment also are extremely important,
because fire fighters make quick decisions in emergencies. Members of a crew
live and work closely together under conditions of stress and danger for
extended periods, so they must be dependable and able to get along well with
others. Leadership qualities are necessary for officers, who must establish and
maintain discipline and efficiency, as well as direct the activities of fire
fighters in their companies.
Most experienced fire fighters continue studying to improve their job
performance and prepare for promotion examinations. To progress to higher level
positions, they acquire expertise in advanced fire fighting equipment and
techniques, building construction, emergency medical technology, writing, public
speaking, management and budgeting procedures, and public relations.
Opportunities for promotion depend upon the results of written examinations,
as well as job performance, interviews, and seniority. Increasingly, fire
departments are using assessment centers, which simulate a variety of actual job
performance tasks, to screen for the best candidates for promotion. The line of
promotion usually is to engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief,
assistant chief, deputy chief, and, finally, chief. For promotion to positions
higher than battalion chief, many fire departments now require a bachelors
degree, preferably in fire science, public administration, or a related field.
An associates degree is required for executive fire officer certification from
the National Fire Academy.
Employment figures in this Handbook statement include only paid career
fire fighters they do not cover volunteer fire fighters, who perform the same
duties and may constitute the majority of fire fighters in a residential area.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 70 percent of fire companies are
staffed by volunteer fire fighters. In 2004, total employment in firefighting
occupations was about 353,000. Fire fighters held about 282,000 jobs, first-line
supervisors/managers of fire fighting and prevention workers held about 56,000,
and fire inspectors held about 15,000.
About 9 out of 10 fire fighting workers were employed by municipal or county
fire departments. Some large cities have thousands of career fire fighters,
while many small towns have only a few. Most of the remainder worked in fire
departments on Federal and State installations, including airports. Private fire
fighting companies employ a small number of fire fighters and usually operate on
a subscription basis.
In response to the expanding role of fire fighters, some municipalities have
combined fire prevention, public fire education, safety, and emergency medical
services into a single organization commonly referred to as a public safety
organization. Some local and regional fire departments are being consolidated
into countywide establishments in order to reduce administrative staffs, cut
costs, and establish consistent training standards and work procedures.
Prospective fire fighters are expected to face keen competition for available
job openings. Many people are attracted to fire fighting because (1) it is
challenging and provides the opportunity to perform an essential public service,
(2) a high school education is usually sufficient for entry, and (3) a pension
is guaranteed upon retirement after 25 years. Consequently, the number of
qualified applicants in most areas exceeds the number of job openings, even
though the written examination and physical requirements eliminate many
applicants. This situation is expected to persist in coming years. Applicants
with the best opportunities are those who are physically fit and score the
highest on physical conditioning and mechanical aptitude exams. Those who have
completed some fire fighter education at a community college and have EMT
certification will have an additional advantage.
Employment of fire fighters is expected to grow faster than the average
for all occupations through 2014. Most job growth will occur as volunteer fire
fighting positions are converted to paid positions in growing suburban areas. In
addition to job growth, openings are expected to result from the need to replace
fire fighters who retire, stop working for other reasons, or transfer to other
occupations.
Layoffs of fire fighters are uncommon. Fire protection is an essential
service, and citizens are likely to exert considerable pressure on local
officials to expand or at least preserve the level of fire protection. Even when
budget cuts do occur, local fire departments usually trim expenses by postponing
purchases of equipment or by not hiring new fire fighters, rather than through
staff reductions.
Median hourly earnings of fire fighters were $18.43 in May 2004. The middle
50 percent earned between $13.65 and $24.14. The lowest 10 percent earned less
than $9.71, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $29.21. Median hourly
earnings were $18.78 in local government, $17.34 in the Federal Government, and
$14.94 in State government.
Median annual earnings of first-line supervisors/managers of fire fighting
and prevention workers were $58,920 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned
between $46,880 and $72,600. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,800, and
the highest 10 percent earned more than $90,860. First-line supervisors/managers
of fire fighting and prevention workers employed in local government earned
about $60,800 a year.
Median annual earnings of fire inspectors and investigators were $46,340 in
May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,030 and $58,260 a year. The
lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,420, and the highest 10 percent earned
more than $71,490. Fire inspectors and investigators employed in local
government earned about $48,020 a year.
According to the International City-County Management Association, average
salaries in 2004 for sworn full-time positions were as follows:
|
Minimum annual base salary |
Maximum annual base salary |
|
|
|
Fire chief |
$68,701 |
$89,928 |
Deputy chief |
63,899 |
79,803 |
Assistant fire chief |
57,860 |
73,713 |
Battalion chief |
58,338 |
73,487 |
Fire captain |
49,108 |
59,374 |
Fire lieutenant |
44,963 |
53,179 |
Fire prevention/code inspector |
43,297 |
54,712 |
Engineer |
41,294 |
52,461 |
Fire fighters who average more than a certain number of hours a week are
required to be paid overtime. The hours threshold is determined by the
department during the fire fighters work period, which ranges from 7 to 28
days. Fire fighters often earn overtime for working extra shifts to maintain
minimum staffing levels or for special emergencies.
Fire fighters receive benefits that usually include medical and liability
insurance, vacation and sick leave, and some paid holidays. Almost all fire
departments provide protective clothing (helmets, boots, and coats) and
breathing apparatus, and many also provide dress uniforms. Fire fighters
generally are covered by pension plans, often providing retirement at half pay
after 25 years of service or if the individual is disabled in the line of duty.
Like fire fighters, emergency
medical technicians and paramedics and police and detectives respond
to emergencies and save lives.
Sources of Additional Information |
Information about a career as a fire fighter may be obtained from local fire
departments and from either of the following organizations:
- International Association of Fire Fighters, 1750 New York Ave. N.W.,
Washington, DC 20006. Internet:
http://www.iaff.org
- U.S. Fire Administration, 16825 South Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
Internet:
http://www.usfa.fema.gov
Information about professional qualifications and a list of colleges and
universities offering 2- or 4-year degree programs in fire science or fire
prevention may be obtained from:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational
Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition,
Fire Fighting Occupations, on the
Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos158.htm
(visited April 06, 2006).
According to the book description
of Master the Firefighter Exam, provides everything you need to pass local,
state, and national written exams, including test-taking strategies, information
on the firefighter screening process, expert oral interview and job search
advice, and a review of the Candidate Physical Ability Test.
According to the book description
of The Firefighter's Workout Book: The 30 Minute a Day Train-for-Life Program
for Men and Women, The demands of being a firefighter can be quite high.
Firefighters are called upon to perform at peak capacity under the most arduous
conditions. Being physically fit can mean the difference between life and death
for them or the victims they race to save. New York City fire captain and
personal trainer Michael Stefano has come to the rescue with The Firefighter's
Workout Book, the thirty-minute-a-day, train-for-life program that's worked for
New York City firefighters and will work for you.
The Firefighter's Workout Book
covers all aspects of health and fitness, including strength, cardiovascular,
and flexibility training. Captain Michael Stefano shows how spending long hours
at the gym is unnecessary or even counterproductive. Step-by-step instruction,
interspersed with motivational stories based on Stefano's experience as a
firefighter, will leave you burning for more.
The workout routines can be
tailored to fit individual needs. The illustrated exercise guide features photos
of New York City firefighters. You will learn how to stay motivated, set
reasonable, attainable goals, and chart your own progress to ensure results. A
simple, easy-to-follow nutrition plan is also offered.
The firefighter's workout is a
real-life approach to a very common problem: staying in good physical condition
with a minimal amount of time and available equipment. With the tools and
knowledge provided by The Firefighter's Workout Book, you'll be able to rise
above these obstacles to get in the best condition of your life.
According to the book description
of Firefighter Exams, This updated test preparation manual contains five
practice exams of 50 questions each, two 100-question practice tests, and a
diagnostic exam, with all questions answered and explained. Practice exams
include two recently given New York City Fire Department exams plus three
composite exams that reflect tests given across the country. The author also
provides a detailed explanation of the Physical Component that is part of every
firefighter exam.
According to the book description
of Smoke Your Firefighter Written Exam, it goes beyond providing sample
questions and answers. It teaches the reader the basic rules and principles
behind the questions; in other words, how to solve each complex problem. Each
section begins with an overview of how to solve the problems. The reasoning
behind the correct answer is presented in clear, easy-to-understand language.
According to the book description of Smoke Your Firefighter Interview, This
edition of Smoke Your Firefighter Interview book has additional questions and
expanded answers. The oral interview is the most important part of the hiring
process. Since it is often weighted 100% of the candidate s final score, earning
a high score on the interview is essential to getting hired. Fire department
oral interviews are unique, which is why most people struggle with them.
Successful candidates understand exactly what the raters are looking for in an
entry-level candidate. Those who don t may struggle for years, eventually giving
up on their dreams. Chief Lepore has proctored hundreds of entry-level
interviews. He was amazed at how unprepared most candidate were. He could see
that many had the will and desire, but it was very apparent that the vast
majority of candidates were ill-prepared for the oral interview. His objective
is to show the candidate the interview through the eyes of the raters. The more
a candidate understands what the oral board is looking for, the more he or she
will be able to present as the candidate they have been waiting for. Smoke Your
Firefighter Interview is packed with 330 pages of invaluable information. Chief
Lepore covers 85 of the most commonly asked fire department interview questions.
The format is simple: question, answer, and reasoning behind the answer. After
answering each question, Chief Lepore carefully and thoroughly explains why he
has answered the question the way he did. These reasons often delve into the
culture of the fire department and the expectations of a rookie firefighter. In
short, anyone can memorize questions and answers. Smoke Your Firefighter
Interview explains why the answers are correct. In addition to the questions and
answers, Chief Lepore explains the rationale for WHY he answers the question the
way he does. He includes many follow-up questions as well as explaining the pit
falls for many of the questions. Once a candidate understands the interview
process and learns how to present his or her answers, it is not uncommon to get
multiple job offers. Instead of struggling to land a job, many candidates are
blessed with the ability to select from several departments. Getting hired on
the fire department is all about learning to take a fire department interview.
Those who learn will be successful, while those who don t will always struggle.
A candidate may be exactly what a fire department is looking for, but if he or
she cannot interview favorably, he or she will never get hired. In addition to
85 questions, answers and rationale for the right answers, Smoke Your
Firefighter Interview also includes chapters on: Rules of thumb for handling
situational questions What to expect from your first day as a firefighter Sample
interview rating sheets Description of the job of a firefighter Monthly
probationary evaluations.
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