Becoming a firefighter is a rewarding and exciting career, but it’s not as easy as you might think. The process of becoming a firefighter can be long and arduous, but with the right mindset and dedication, you can make your dream of becoming a firefighter come true.
To become a firefighter, you’ll need to meet the requirements set forth by each individual state. Most states require that you have at least an associate’s degree and some experience in the field.
Once you’ve met the requirements set forth by your state, you’ll need to pass both written and physical exams. These exams will test your knowledge of firefighting techniques as well as your physical abilities. If you pass these exams, then it’s time for training!
Firefighting training lasts between 10-12 weeks and consists of both classroom work and hands-on training with real fires. This training is designed to prepare firefighters for any situation that could arise during their careers—from responding to small fires in residential homes to large-scale blazes in industrial warehouses or even chemical spills.
Once your training is complete, it’s time for employment! Once hired as a firefighter, it’s important that you stay up-to-date on new technologies and practices so that you can continue providing excellent service
How To Become Fireman
Firefighters perform rescue operations and strive to protect their local communities from harm in the event of a fire, natural disaster or another emergency. When not rescuing people, assets and properties from various hazards, they promote fire safety practices, take preventive measures and conduct safety training drills. By understanding what it takes to be a professional firefighter, you can make an informed decision about getting started in this career. In this article, we explain how to become a firefighter and discuss the physical, educational, training and skills requirements for a firefighting career.
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How to become a firefighter
To boost your chances of getting work as a firefighter, you can take the following steps:
1. Get physically fit
Firefights engage in physical work when they put out fires and undertake rescue operations. To do these tasks effectively, you require physical strength and endurance. You can regularly exercise to build your stamina. This also helps you prepare for firefighter selection tests.
2. Complete education
While an advanced degree is not compulsory for becoming a firefighter, it may benefit you in your career. The minimum qualification required to become a firefighter is a high school diploma. Most employers look for candidates who at least passed their Class 10th board examination. If you are looking for senior firefighter roles, you may require a higher secondary certificate or even advanced degrees.
3. Do volunteer work
Contact your local fire brigade and express your interest in working with them as a volunteer firefighter. It can enable you to connect with other firefighters and gain valuable field experience. You can get the latest industry news and keep up with developments in firefighting techniques and equipment. You can also find out if they have a fireman vacancy and improve your chances of getting hired by sending an application earlier.
4. Research career options
Research career options for firefighters such as fire safety instructor, fire safety officer, fire safety engineer, design engineer for fire protection and fire protection technician. Look for fireman job opportunities on online job sites like Indeed. You can also apply to firefight jobs through company websites, government websites, professional networking sites and social media.
Related: Tips on How To Work Hard for a Successful Career
Firefighter requirements
You can be eligible for firefighter jobs in India if you meet the following requirements:
Physical requirements
For becoming a firefighter, the age limit is typically 18 to 25 years old (or up to 40 years old if you are from a scheduled caste, other backward caste, ex-servicemen, physically handicapped or sports background). Other typical requirements are at least 165 centimetres height, 52 kilograms weight, 81.5 centimetres unexpanded chest and 85 centimetres expanded chest. Excellent eyesight and hearing ability are also usually essential. In order to secure a firefighting job, you may need to undergo certain medical tests and clear certain physical fitness tests. This may include agility tests, running, lifting, carrying, jumping and climbing.
Educational requirements
The basic educational requirement for a firefighter job is a 10th Secondary School Certificate (SSC). Some jobs may require a 12th Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or advanced qualifications like a diploma or bachelor’s degree. Some employers may prefer candidates with a certificate in safety management or emergency medical technician (EMT). The duration of a certificate course can be one or two years. Some examples of one-year courses offered by the Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) include:
- ITI Firefighter
- Fire Technology and Industrial Safety Management
- Safety and Security
The duration of a diploma course can be one or two years. There are courses on fire and safety technology and fire and safety engineering. At the graduate level, you can do a three-year bachelor of science (BSc) in fire and safety and a four-year bachelor of technology (BTech) in fire and safety engineering. These courses can help you learn how to operate different firefighting tools and how to put out various classes of fire.
Skills requirements
Communication and teamwork skills are essential for firefighters to work efficiently under pressure, manage dangerous situations, reassure and instruct trapped people and save lives. Since firefighters make quick decisions and take calculated risks, it is important for them to be decisive, calm and courageous. First-aid skills are also important for firefighters.
Related: How To Improve Communication Skills
Training requirements
Most entry-level jobs require candidates to undergo training for three months to one year before they can work as a firefighter. The training may cover firefighting safety practices. You can learn how to use fire extinguishers, water hoses, ladders, axes, chainsaws and other tools for fighting fires. The training programme may also educate you about the fire safety codes of buildings and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
What is the salary of a firefighter?
The national average salary of a firefighter is ₹20,743 per month. The pay may vary depending on your location, designation, skills and experience. Firefighters with five to 10 years of experience typically earn higher salaries than those at entry or mid-career levels. Depending on your employer, you may get work benefits, bonuses and overtime pay.
Related: Gross Salary and Net Salary: Definitions and Examples
What are the duties and responsibilities of a firefighter?
Firefighters may undertake different work responsibilities depending on their place of employment. Some of these include the following:
- responding to fire alarms and emergency calls and driving the fire engine to the site of the disaster
- wearing protective gear and following established policies and procedures during a firefighting operation
- entering burning buildings to conduct rescue operations
- laying out and connecting hoses, checking water pressure and directing water streams at the fire
- using fire extinguishers with foam, dry chemical powder, wet chemicals or other substances to put out fires
- raising and climbing ladders to rescue trapped people from burning structures and using axes and other tools to break windows, doors or walls
- serving as first responders and rescuing citizens in medical emergencies, accidents, earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, floods or cyclones
- rescuing lost, trapped or wounded people, pets and wild creatures from trees, forests, mountains, rivers, lakes and other places
- providing first aid and other minor medical care and helping to move injured people to safe areas
- maintaining contact with emergency dispatch during emergency operations and requesting additional backup and resources if needed.
- working in coordination with the other firefighters in the crew, policemen, paramedics and members of the public
- surveying building structures to ensure compliance with the National Building Code of India for fire safety
- inspecting buildings, vehicles and equipment for potential fire hazards and recommending preventive measures
- advising on the installation of firefighting systems like hydrants and sprinklers, smoke and spark detectors, sand buckets, fire axes, emergency lights and emergency life-saving equipment
- taking appropriate actions to mitigate dangerous chemical spills and prevent health and environmental damage
- educating the general public by distributing safety literature and conducting fire safety and prevention training programs
- providing fire safety and preventive training to personnel in manufacturing factories, chemical plants, power plants, refineries, oil rigs and mines
- scheduling regular maintenance of fire brigade buildings, grounds, fire engines, firefighting equipment and protective gear
- writing reports on rescue operations and submitting them to the supervisor
- evaluating new firefighting equipment, safety gadgets and techniques and updating firefighting technical knowledge with workshops, drills and industry publications
