Job Description:
Each year fire destroys property and takes thousands if lives. Fire fighters must respond quickly in these emergencies to save lives and properties.

Fighting fires require organization and teamwork. Each fire fighter has a specific duty assigned to him by a superior officer. The assignments include hooking up the hoses to hydrants, operating the pump and setting up ladders. Sometimes the Police has to be called to keep back crowds and onlookers.

Fire fighters often go into burning buildings to rescue victims. It may take hours to get a fire under control and sometimes fire fighters stay at the site for days rescuing trapped survivors. Besides fighting fires they also respond to medical emergencies.

Between calls, fire fighters will clean and check the condition of their fire and rescue equipment. They will take part in fire and safety training and participate in some type of exercise activity.

Education/Training:
Individuals applying for municipal fire fighting jobs usually have to pass a written exam; tests of strength, physical stamina and coordination; they will have a medical examination which will include drug testing. Individuals 18 years or older with at least a high school education can take the exam to become a fire fighter. Of course those that score the highest have a better chance of getting hired. In the larger fire departments individuals are trained for several weeks at the departments training center. Almost all fire departments require fire fighters to be certified as EMTs. Many fire fighters continue taking courses to improve their performance and prepare for promotions in higher level positions.

Job Outlook:
Becoming a fire fighter attracts many individuals and consequently the number of qualified applicants in most locales exceed the number of job openings. Those with some fire fighting education along with being EMT certified and who are physically fit and score high on the exams will definitely have an advantage. Firefighter job openings are expected to grow between 18% to 26% through 2014.

Working Conditions:
Fire fighters are often exposed to hazardous chemicals and work long irregular hours. They are at risk at being injured or even death from floors collapsing or walls falling in. They have to wear heavy protective gear that gets very hot. They go into dangerous neighborhoods where the Police have to come for their protection. Most of a fire fighters time is spent at the fire station. Fire fighters work longer hours than most workers. Many fire fighters work 50 hours a week or more. They often work 10 or 24 hour shifts.

Estimated Average Annual Earnings:
$42,239. A fire fighter salary also depends on location, area size, population, overtime, etc.

Pursuing a fire fighting career and becoming a fire fighter is both challenging and rewarding, which should provide you with job security for years to come.