If you want to become a volunteer firefighter, there are some things you should know. First, it’s important to know that there are two main types of volunteer firefighters: those who work for their local fire department and those who work for a privately owned fire department.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter with your local fire department, you will need to pass a physical examination and an entrance exam before being accepted into the program. You may also be required to take classes in order to learn about firefighting techniques and equipment. Once you’ve completed these requirements, you can begin working as a volunteer firefighter!
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter with a privately owned fire department, there will likely be fewer requirements that need to be met before joining the program. However, this type of position will require many of the same skills as those required by local fire departments—including physical fitness and good communication skills.
How To Become Volunteer Firefighter
Volunteer firefighters put out fires, provide other important emergency services and help people in danger and distress. They make invaluable contributions to their communities, choosing to donate their time and efforts to save and protect others. Firefighting is physically and emotionally demanding, but if you enjoy helping people and making sure they’re safe, firefighting may be a perfect job for you. In this article, we discuss what a volunteer firefighter is, what they do, how to become one in seven steps and what some of their most important skills are.
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What is a volunteer firefighter?
A volunteer firefighter is an unpaid professional who saves people from fires and other emergency situations. They’re in charge of responding to emergency calls, putting out and preventing the spread of fires and administering first aid to people with injuries. They may help keep people safe during and after the following types of situations:
- Fires in houses or other buildings: Firefighters may need to put out electrical or cooking fires, fires caused by lightning or fires caused by other accidents.
- Car accidents: The likelihood that firefighters have to help people who’ve experienced car accidents can increase in inclement weather, like thunderstorms or hailstorms.
- Wellness checks: A wellness check is when police and firefighters visit a person’s home to confirm their well-being.
- Forest fires: A forest fire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in forested areas, grasslands, farms or other natural environments.
- Hazardous materials incidents: Firefighters may have to respond to issues with hazardous materials, such as chemicals, batteries and motor oils.
Although volunteer firefighters usually have to work in dangerous situations, they may find many benefits to their work. They typically have the opportunity to form lifelong friendships with their colleagues and build positive relationships with their communities. They can also learn safety and professional skills that can help them in their personal life and in other professional settings. As volunteer firefighters, they may be eligible for tax credits, retirement programs and even scholarships. Those in this role typically volunteer in their free time, while having a different, paid job.
Related: How To Become a Wildland Firefighter
What does a volunteer firefighter do?
While a volunteer firefighter’s primary priority is to put out fires, they have many more responsibilities as well. Here are some typical duties of volunteer firefighters:
- Contain and eliminate fire outbreaks by setting up ladders, hooking fire hoses up to hydrants and operating fire hoses
- Save people trapped in burning buildings by locating them and carrying them out
- Provide emergency medical and life-support services to people with injuries, such as basic first aid and CPR
- Listen to and follow the directions of career firefighters and supervisors
- Collaborate with other firefighters to ensure an emergency response is effective
- Assist in search and rescue efforts to find missing people
- Conduct traffic incident management (TIM) in the aftermath of a car crash, blocking and directing traffic to ensure the safety of pedestrians and emergency workers
- Collaborate with police departments to respond to emergency calls and wellness checks
- Write and file official reports about events and the responses to them to avoid lawsuits
- Educate people on fire prevention and safety techniques, like installing and testing smoke alarms, supervising open flames and practicing fire response plans
- Conduct fundraising by applying for grants and taking part in events like cook-offs, raffles and fairs
- Clean and organize offices and other spaces in the fire department, making sure all emergency response materials are readily accessible
- Maintain, repair and replace firefighting equipment, tools and uniforms
- Regularly wash and maintain fire trucks and vehicles
How to become a volunteer firefighter
With the right amount of planning and dedication, many people can achieve their goal of becoming volunteer firefighters. Here are seven steps that can help you start working in this role:
1. Consider the commitment of being a volunteer firefighter
It’s a good idea to consider whether you can meet the demands of being a volunteer firefighter before you pursue the role. Make sure you’re enthusiastic about the purpose of firefighting and that you’re ready to overcome the job’s challenges. For example, you may have to give up some of your free time to complete your training and role. You may also need to be on-call, which means you have to be ready to respond to emergency situations immediately. It’s important to consider whether you’re financially able to volunteer without pay.
Since many of the responsibilities of firefighters include lifting heavy objects, such as equipment and even people, consider whether you’re in the right physical shape to perform firefighting duties. Firefighters need to maintain their physical fitness to use their strength on the job, which means eating healthy foods, exercising and eliminating unhealthy habits. In addition, think about whether you have the emotional capabilities to stay calm and manage stress in chaotic situations. Firefighters need to be good at supporting people who may be experiencing fear and loss.
2. Contact your local fire department
Contact your local fire department to learn about the job of a volunteer firefighter and the process for becoming one. Make sure to use the non-emergency number if you’re calling. Consider preparing a concise list of questions to ask the department’s fire chief or volunteer coordinator, either by phone or email. Here are some questions you might ask to gain some helpful information:
- Do you have any current openings for volunteer firefighters?
- Are there residency restrictions for being a volunteer firefighter?
- What are the minimum requirements for volunteer candidates?
- What does your volunteer firefighter screening process involve?
- What does a typical day for a volunteer firefighter look like?
- How many hours per week do you require volunteer firefighters to work?
Discovering the answers to these questions can enable you to learn whether you’re eligible to work as a volunteer firefighter. Some departments have residency restrictions, meaning that they require their volunteers to live in the department’s town. By finding out the time commitments of the position, you can also decide whether you want to or are able to work a certain number of volunteer hours per week. You may even be able to visit and tour the fire station to learn more about it if your local department allows this.
3. Fulfill the minimum requirements
Before applying to a volunteer firefighter position, confirm that you meet the minimum requirements for the role. While the requirements may vary across departments, here are some common ones:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a background check
- Have a valid driver’s license
Related: Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
4. Complete the application process
After choosing a fire department you are eligible to volunteer with, research its website and communicate with its volunteer coordinator to learn how to submit an application. While the application process can vary based on department, locality and state, it usually involves filling out and submitting a form and other identification documentation.
Related: Interview Question: “Why Do You Want To Be a Firefighter?”
5. Pass the screening process
After submitting an application, you typically have to complete a screening and/or interview process before gaining a position as a volunteer firefighter. This process usually involves a background check, physical exam or clearance by a doctor, medical evaluation and drug test. The volunteer coordinator may also ask you the following questions:
- Why do you want to be a volunteer firefighter?
- Describe a time when you had to overcome a challenge.
- What is the key to effective collaboration?
- How do you stay physically fit?
- What is your experience with following protocols?
Related: 45 Firefighter Interview Questions (With Example Answers)
6. Complete training
By completing training, you can learn and build the skills and knowledge it takes to navigate emergency situations. Fire departments usually provide training on how to put out fires and administer first aid. Here are some other training topics and certifications a volunteer firefighter may need to complete, which they can usually do in person or online:
- Fire control and suppression
- Hazmat awareness
- Building layouts
- Fire scene preservation
- Vehicle extrication
- Basic life-saving techniques (BLS)
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Emergency medical technician (EMT)
- Emergency medical responder (EMR)
- Trauma response
- Wildland fire control
Volunteer firefighters may gain additional knowledge by attending conferences, shadowing more advanced professionals and reading resource materials. They can often gain the most practical experience on the job, responding to actual emergency calls and following the directions of their supervisors. Departments often require volunteers to take part in continuing education to remember proper protocols and keep up to date with industry advancements.
7. Pursue further education
While not required for volunteer firefighters, pursuing further education can help you build your skills and increase your earning potential. Consider earning a degree in fire science to learn about fire prevention and enhance your job prospects. With a degree, you can be more competitive for paid positions like fire investigator, emergency manager and paramedic.
