May also be called: Fire Engineers; Firefighters/EMTs; Firefighters/Paramedics; Forest Fire Fighters; Forest Ranger Technicians; and Foresters
Specialties within this occupation include: Fire Inspectors; Fire Investigators; Forest Fire Fighters; Forest Fire Inspectors; and Prevention Specialists
Fire Fighters work to protect the community against injury, loss of life, and destruction of property by fire. When a fire is reported, Fire Fighters respond quickly and work as a highly-organized team to put it out. Arriving at a fire as fast as safety permits, Fire Fighters assess the situation to determine what actions to take. Using their knowledge of various types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties, Fire Fighters work toward the source of the fire. They lay and connect hose lines, select and attach nozzles, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto the fire in a way that best stops it. They may place ladders and force their way into a burning structure using axes, crowbars, saws, and power tools. Equipped with fire resistant clothing and a breathing apparatus, Fire Fighters may have to make their way through smoke-filled passages to get to the source of a fire. Fire Fighters have also assumed a wider range of responsibilities, including emergency medical services. In fact, most calls to which Fire Fighters respond involve medical emergencies. In addition, some Fire Fighters work in hazardous material units and are trained for the control, prevention, and cleanup of materials; for example, these Fire Fighters respond to oil spills. 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. Fire Fighters rescue people trapped in burning structures, give first aid to the injured, and help in the resuscitation of victims who are overcome by smoke. Rescue trucks are equipped with tools such as cutting torches, saws, resuscitators, first aid kits, lights, and other rescue equipment. Most fire departments have paramedic units able to provide more complex medical aid. Fire Inspectors examine structures to prevent fires and ensure compliance with fire codes. They also work with developers and government planners to approve plans for new buildings. Fire Inspectors often make fire prevention presentations to schools and civic organizations. Fire Investigators determine the origin and causes of fires. They collect evidence, interview witnesses, and prepare reports on suspicious fires that may be the result of arson or negligence. They may be required to testify in court proceedings concerning their report findings. Forest Fire Fighters control and suppress fires with heavy equipment, hand tools, and water hoses. Fighting forest fires is very strenuous work. Fire Fighters create fire lines to battle a fire by cutting down trees and digging out grass in the path of the blaze to deprive it of fuel. Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists work from watch towers to spot fires in national parks and forests. They report their findings to headquarters by telephone or radio.
Each task below is matched to a sample skill required to carry out the task.
Fire Fighters must work in conditions that are highly stressful and very physically demanding. They risk death or injury from sudden floor cave-ins, falling walls, or traffic accidents when responding to calls. Fire Fighters may also come into contact with poisonous, flammable, or explosive gases, and chemicals or other hazardous materials. However, the risk of injury is reduced by wearing protective gear. The protective gear can be very heavy and hot. Fire Fighters work long and varied hours that include working regularly on weekends and holidays. They may work more than 50 hours a week or longer. Shifts and hours vary from agency to agency. 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. Many Fire Fighters are members of labor unions such as the International Association of Fire Fighters and the California Professional Fire Fighters.
The job of a Fire Fighter may appeal to those who enjoy activities that involve practical, hands-on problems and solutions. Fire Fighter occupations satisfy those with realistic interests and a strong service orientation who are actively looking for ways to help people. Realistic occupations involve technical or mechanical activities. Additional personal qualities that are important to Fire Fighters are: mental alertness, self-discipline, good judgment, dependability, endurance, strength, and commitment to public service.
The median wage in 2021 for Fire Fighters in California is $82,674 annually, or $39.75 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.
Fire Fighters can expect to receive a benefit package that includes paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, group health insurance, and retirement programs.
Most job openings will be created by the need to replace Fire Fighters who retire, transfer to supervisory positions, or leave the field for other reasons. Fire Fighting occupations attract many job seekers because the work is challenging, a high school diploma is sufficient for entry, and pensions are offered upon retirement. The number of qualified applicants is usually greater than the number of job openings in most communities. Applicants can improve their employment opportunities by completing a Fire Fighting program at a community college, and by obtaining emergency medical technician (EMT) certification.
In California, the number of Fire Fighters is expected to grow slower than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Fire Fighters are expected to increase by 3.9 percent, or 1,300 jobs between 2018 and 2028.
The majority of hiring agencies require Fire Fighters to obtain an emergency medical technician (EMT) certification. It is advisable for those interested in Fire Fighting careers, to enroll in fire fighting technology and EMT courses through a local community college to improve employment opportunities. There are numerous entry requirements for Fire Fighters:
High school preparation courses in blueprint reading, chemistry, computer technology, health science, language arts, mathematics, and shop are helpful for students interested in fire fighting occupations.
The California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee is a statewide apprenticeship program designed to offer on-the-job training through participating fire departments. Refer to “Other Sources” for the Web site address. For more information on apprenticeship programs currently available visit the State of California's Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards Web site at www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/aigstart.asp. Training programs for EMT I, EMT/Paramedic, Fire Control and Safety, Fire Fighting, and Other Fire Technology Courses are available through Regional Occupational Programs. To find an ROP program near you, go to the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs Web site at www.carocp.org/carocps.html.
Almost all fire-fighting departments require Fire Fighters to be certified as emergency medical technicians. Fire Fighters must participate in continuing education courses to maintain current emergency medical technician certification. An emergency medical technician I is required to complete a 24 hour refresher course, or 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain certification. Additionally, they must pass a written and skills examination every four years administered by an approved training program or the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency. An EMT II is required to complete 48 hours of continuing education every two years and six field care audits per year. Also, they must pass a written and skills examination every two years given by the original EMS certifying agency to obtain recertification. Paramedics are required to complete 48 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their license. There are no re-testing requirements for Paramedics.
Fire Fighters/Paramedics are required to have a valid license issued by the Emergency Medical Services Authority. (Refer to “Other Sources.”) Applicants for a Paramedic license must possess a current EMT I or EMT II certificate, complete an approved Paramedic training program, pass a written and practical exam, and submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. The Paramedic license is valid for two years. Professional Foresters must obtain a Foresters License from the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection. (Refer to “Other Sources.”) This license is required for employees working as professional Foresters for State agencies, consulting firms, and for private industry. A license is not required for employees working for the federal government on federal lands.
Almost all fire-fighting departments require Fire Fighters to be certified as emergency medical technicians. Some departments include this training in the academy, while others prefer that recruits obtain EMT certification before their hire date. Emergency Medical Technician I An EMT I must be 18 years of age, successfully complete an approved EMT training program, pass a written and skills examination, and pass a fingerprint background check to obtain certification from the local Emergency Medical Service agency or through a public safety agency. The EMT I certification is recognized statewide. Certification is valid for two years. Emergency Medical Technician II An emergency medical technician II must possess a valid EMT I certification, successfully complete an approved EMT II training program, pass a written and skills examination, and pass a fingerprint background check to obtain certification. Not all California counties use EMT IIs. Certification is issued only by a local Emergency Medical Services agency. Therefore, the EMT II certification is not valid statewide. Certification is valid for two years. For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor's Career InfoNet Web site at www.acinet.org and scroll down to "Career Tools." Click on "Certification Finder" at www.acinet.org/certifications_new/default.aspx and follow the instructions to locate certification programs.
There are two ways to search for training information at www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/resources/training-and-apprenticeships.html
Contact the schools you are interested in to learn about the classes available, tuition and fees, and any prerequisite course work.
The largest industries employing Fire Fighters are as follows:
Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Since local government employs the largest number of Fire Fighters, it is a good idea to check the city or county government personnel department listings in your local white pages. Also, local government Web sites are an excellent resource for employment information and current exam announcements. Refer to “Other Sources.” Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBSSM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).
You can focus your local job search by checking employers listed online or in your local telephone directory. Below are some suggested headings where you might find employers of Fire Fighters.
To locate a list of employers in your area, use "Find Employers" on the LaborMarketInfo Web site at http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/aspdotnet/databrowsing/empMain.aspx?menuChoice=emp
Advancement in most fire agencies depends upon the results of competitive written examinations, job performance, interviews, and seniority. A Fire Fighter seeking a promotion is often required to participate in community college or continuing education programs to keep current with the latest concepts and procedures related to fire suppression, medical training, and management techniques. The line of promotion is usually to engineer, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, deputy chief, and finally, chief. Advancement to positions higher than battalion chief usually requires a bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration, or a related subject area.
Below is a list of occupations related to Fire Fighters.
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Printed on Friday, December 03, 2021