How to Become a Fire Fighter

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Fire Fighter

What does a Fire Fighter do?

A Fire Fighter is responsible for rapid response to fires, accidents, and other emergencies to protect people, property, and the environment. Works with firefighting teams to control and extinguish fires and safely manage hazardous materials. Being a Fire Fighter performs search and rescue, responds to auto accidents, and provides emergency medical services. Uses and operates fire tools, equipment and apparatus as effectively and safely as possible. Additionally, Fire Fighter performs routine maintenance and inspection of firefighting equipment and gear to ensure proper condition and preparedness for emergencies. Prepares post-incident reports as required. May participate in fire safety education and inspection activities. Typically is required to pass periodic physical ability tests. May require registry in NREMT. May require an associate degree in fire science. Requires Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Fire Fighter works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be a Fire Fighter typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

People's Opinions on Fire Fighter responsibilities

Firefighters are your everyday heroes who work together to put out fires and help people if they get stuck in such situations.

01/04/2020: Greenville, MS

Besides this, they are also responsible for educating people to prevent further fires.

12/07/2019: New London, CT

In some cases, they are supposed to inspect sources of fire and dig deep into the case due to the possibility of an arsonist.

02/22/2020: Queens Village, NY

At the scene of the fire, every individual has a different task.

02/23/2020: Boston, MA

Others are in charge of controlling the water flow and extinguishing the fire.

01/13/2020: Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Fire Fighter

Best tips for those who want to become a Fire Fighter

Here are some tips to become a Fire Fighter.

People's Opinions on best tips

Understand ALL of the phases of the firefighter hiring process.

02/16/2020: Great Falls, MT

Learn as much as you can about the fire service.

12/01/2019: Yakima, WA

Fire Department Panel Interview.

01/14/2020: Reno, NV

Police and Fire Commission Interview.

12/16/2019: Waco, TX

Background InvestigationA personal history questionnaire will be required from each candidate along with a pre-interview and fingerprints.

02/15/2020: Seattle, WA
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Fire Fighter

Best colleges and universities for Fire Fighter

  • Princeton University
  • Providence College
  • Rollins College
  • Taylor University
  • Bentley University
  • University of Portland

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Fire Fighter

Is being a Fire Fighter Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

That’s the type of person who wants to run into a building that’s on fire, getting them to think it’s okay to just crush it every time they workout.

02/11/2020: New Britain, CT

Panicked because most firefighters were overseas, the government figured citizens were the best defense against forest fires.

12/14/2019: Springfield, OH

Decades of fire suppression, whether the fire was human-caused or not, has led to unhealthy forests primed for catastrophic burns.

02/18/2020: Juneau, AK

The catchphrase “Only you can prevent forest fires” is changed to “wildfires” to clarify that not all burns are bad.

01/04/2020: Gastonia, NC

Located next to an operating fire station, this museum is dedicated to the people, machines and science involved in fire prevention.

02/26/2020: Duluth, MN
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Fire Fighter

What skills do you need to be a Fire Fighter?

Supporting level roles often require a broad range of skills to ensure jobs can be executed accurately and efficiently.  Some of the more relevant day-to-day skills for this role include: Emergency Management, Equipment Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Operation, On Call Service, Emergency Transport, Fire Control, Hazardous Waste Clean-up Procedures.  In this role, you should command of the following: Public Safety Software.  Success in this function is highly dependant upon these skills, as well as others specific to each individual company.

People's Opinions on Fire Fighter skills

Place an order for the Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills, Fourth Edition today.

01/10/2020: New Orleans, LA

Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills is your guide to the latest in fireground operations and firefighter safety.

02/02/2020: Chillicothe, OH

Fire fighters must be capable of working safely in a hazardous environment.

12/14/2019: Rochester, NY

Minimum of two fire fighters is required to establish an entry team.

02/12/2020: San Antonio, TX

Minimum of two additional fire fighters is required to remain outside the hazardous area.

12/04/2019: Newark, NJ
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Step 6: View average salary for Fire Fighter

How much does a Fire Fighter make?

The average salary range for a Fire Fighter is from $61,823 to $83,430. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Fire Fighter
$61,823 to $83,430

Average salary for Fire Fighter jobs

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Step 7: Find relevant Fire Fighter jobs, and apply.

Looking for Fire Fighter jobs?

Here are some Fire Fighter jobs in the United States.

Search Fire Fighter Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Fire Fighter

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Fire Fighter? Fire Fighter II