Firefighting: Coveted Job Requires Focus and Dedication

Being a firefighter is dangerous but also offers excitement and a terrific opportunity to help people and make a difference in the world. Firefighting is a very competitive field, and it can often be difficult to find a job. However, with hard work, dedication and persistence you usually can find employment as a firefighter and offer your services to the public. Here is some basic information on how to become a firefighter.

Before becoming a firefighter, it is important to take a look at all the different things that a career as a firefighter entails. First off, there are three basic types of firefighters: city firefighters, wildland firefighters and industrial firefighters. City firefighters usually deal with structural fires within cities and are employed by the city fire department. Wildland firefighters are usually employed by the Forest Service or another Federal agency and fight forest fires. This can be an exciting and challenging career path which requires great physical endurance. You may also choose to become a smokejumper and jump from airplanes to fight forest fires. While this is an extremely dangerous profession it can also be quite exciting and can make for a thrilling career. The final type of firefighting position is as an industrial firefighter. These firefighters are trained to deal with industrial fires which may involve chemicals or toxic substances.

Along with fighting fires, firefighters are also frequently called upon to provide medical support and to respond to other types of emergencies. Additionally, as a firefighter you may be required to conduct fire safety inspections or educate the public in fire safety.

While some people can get hired as firefighters straight out of high school, it is a highly competitive field and you may have more luck getting hired if you work toward getting at least an associates degree in fire science.

Depending upon your local fire department, you may first have to take firefighter training and then be hired by the department or you may need to be hired by the department first and then take your training. The typical process is that you take a civil service exam given by the department and once you pass that you are then eligible to take firefighter training. After completing the training then the department may hire you.

Physical endurance is extremely important in fighting fires, and there is a required physical exam that all firefighters must pass. This test is difficult and requires high endurance and strength so you should stay physically fit and work on your strength if you hope to become a firefighter.

Once you have been hired as a firefighter, you will be required to continue your training throughout your career to stay on top of new advances in firefighting and in medical techniques.