Fire Fighters
Specialties: Fire Prevention Officers, Forest-Fire Fighters.
What do Fire Fighters do?
- Fire Fighters protect communities against the loss of life, injury, and
destruction of property by fire.
- They may work at accidents, hazardous material spills, and in fire
prevention.
- Fire Fighters work as a team with each person assigned to a special job.
- They respond to fire alarms, decide what action to take, locate the
source fire, and connect hose lines and nozzles.
- Duties include operating and maintaining fire equipment and trucks.
- Tasks include: They may search for clues and conduct salvage operations. Those
who operate heavy fire equipment have specialized skills.
Salary and Employment Outlook:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Typical Employers:
Firefighters work for city, county and state fire departments, fire agencies,
U.S. Forest Service and the military. (In some small communities, there may be a
number of volunteer firefighters rather than a full time paid department.)
Preparation:
Almost all employers require that Fire Fighter applicants have a high school
diploma or GED. Most employers require that applicants be at least 18 years of
age. Employers stress health and physical strength and agility, and look for
people who can work closely as part of a team. While fire control training is
not required, preference is sometimes given to applicants with training or
experience. Training is also available through apprenticeship programs and at
several community colleges. These courses may help you pass tests with a high
score. You can also get experience and training in the military. Experience as a
volunteer can help you get a job. After a probationary period of six months to
one year you may become permanent.
Educational Program(s):
Fire Control
Related Program: Apprenticeship
Web Resources:
EDD Labor
Market Information
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Info Net
Career Info Net Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Career Center
Hobson's College View
College Board.com