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Fire Fighters control and put out fires, protect life and property, and maintain equipment. They may work as employees or volunteers of cities, townships, or industrial plants.

JOB DUTIES 

Fire Fighters may:

Respond to fire alarms and other emergency calls

Select hose nozzles to direct water or chemicals onto the fire

Position and climb ladders to reach upper level of burning buildings

Create openings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, and power equipment that can cut through wood or concrete

Protect property with waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants to minimize water and smoke damage

Give first aid and artificial respiration to injured persons

Inspect for fire hazards and see that prevention is practiced

Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites

Move towards the source of a fire using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties

Drive fire trucks

Maintain buildings, quarters, equipment, and hydrants

Perform demonstrations and drills and help other communities

Take courses in methods, pump operation and maintenance, and hydraulics

Educate the public about fire prevention and safety measures

Assist police with arson cases, accidents, and disasters

Participate in drills and demonstrations

Click here to watch a brief video on Firefighters.

The tools and equipment used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Fire Fighters may specialize in these areas:

373.364-010 FIRE FIGHTERS control and put out fires, protect life and property, and maintain equipment.

 373.663-010 AIRPORT FIRE FIGHTERS respond to potential or actual air-crash emergencies to prevent or put out fires and rescue plane crews and passengers.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Fire Fighters work as members of a team and usually supervised by a fire fighting supervisor. They work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Fire Fighters also spend much time in firehouses that are clean, well lighted, and well ventilated.

Their work involves many hazards, such as collapsing floors, walls, and ceilings; smoke; flames; electrical shocks; and explosions. They may also become trapped inside burning buildings.

Many Fire Fighters are on duty 24 hours then off duty 48 hours. The average workweek is 40 and 60 hours. During duty hours, they may have free time to read, study, or do other things.

Fire Fighters may work overtime during emergencies. They may contribute money to a common food fund for food eaten in the firehouse.

Nearly three fourths of all Fire Fighters are members of The International Association of Fire Fighters (AFL-CIO) . Fire Fighters have to pay union dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Activities dealing with things and objects

• Activities involving use of machines, processes, or methods

• Activities which bring recognition or appreciation by others

You Should Be Able To:

• Rate information by using personal judgment

• Rate information by standards which can be measured or checked

• Work well under pressure or in critical or unexpected situations

• Work well when taking necessary risks

• Perform a variety of duties which may often change

• Deal effectively with people on the job

• Visualize flat drawings or pictures as three-dimensional objects

• Use reason and logic

• Understand words and ideas and present information effectively

• Perform mathematical operations quickly and accurately

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If tank capacity is increased to 2,000 gallons and shuttle cycle time remains constant (20 minutes), then the tanker delivery rate increases to how many gpm?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Just as losses due to friction and elevation impede the flow of water from a discharge hose attached to a pumper, they impede flow through a suction line whether it is a hose or pipe. In a discharge line, losses can be overcome by increasing pump pressure. In a suction line, losses can be minimized through proper design.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

A written report for law enforcement officials regarding a fire that may have been the result of arson.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

Excellent analytical skills, decision-making skills, and be detail oriented in assessing fires and determining courses of action. Fire Fighters are usually employed under local civil service regulations. They must meet age and physical requirements, and pass written and medical exams including drug testing. Some may also be required to undergo a background investigation and pass a physical performance test. A 240-hour course in fire fighting methods, available through the Michigan Fire Fighters Training Council , is required by employers for full-time Fire Fighters. Volunteer workers may also take a 66-hour basic course offered through the Council. Credit is usually given for military service.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a High School Diploma or Equivalent or a Certificate (program of up to one year of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 1800 HEALTH & HEALTH CAREERS , 2200 MATH , 2700 PHYSICAL EDUCATION , 2900 SCIENCE , 3100 STUDY & WORK OPTIONS , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

052 PUBLIC SAFETY/PROTECTIVE SERVICES

Approved vocational education programs in Public Safety & Protective Services prepare students in security, corrections, law enforcement, firefighting, and/or emergency medical technology. The 2 phase program teaches foundation skills as well as a set of common public safety & protective service skills that are generic to all like occupations.

Courses in other trade and industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

062 FIRE SCIENCE

Programs in Fire Science provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment as Fire Fighters, arson investigators, or Fire Fighting Supervisors.

On-the-job training requirements include a minimum of 66-hours of classroom instruction to become a volunteer Fire Fighter and 240 hours of classroom instruction to become a full-time professional Fire Fighter. Experienced Fire Fighters with demonstrated ability and training may become Fire Fighting Supervisors.

Course content may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

019 FIRE MEDIC

Some people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

Apprenticeship programs for these occupations usually begin with a 4 or 6 week recruit training course that is held in a fire station and which includes:

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military website at http://www.myfuture.com.

FIREFIGHTERS

Military bases have their own protection services, including fire departments. Military firefighting units are responsible for protecting lives and property from fire. Firefighters put out, control, and help prevent fires in buildings, aircraft, and aboard ships.

What They Do

Firefighters in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Operate pumps, hoses, and extinguishers

• Force entry into aircraft, vehicles, and buildings in order to fight fires and rescue personnel

• Drive firefighting trucks and emergency rescue vehicles

• Give first aid to injured personnel

• Inspect aircraft, buildings, and equipment or fire hazards

• Teach fire protection procedures

• Repair firefighting equipment and fill fire extinguishers

Physical Demands

Good vision without glasses and clear speaking voice are required to enter some specialties in this occupation. Firefighters have to climb ladders and stairs. They must also be able to lift and carry injured personnel.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include health and general science. Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to remain calm under stress

• Willingness to risk injury to help others

• Ability to think and act decisively

Work Environment

Firefighters work indoors and outdoors while fighting fires. They are exposed to the smoke, heat, and flames of the fires they fight.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 11 weeks of classroom training, including practice in fighting fires. Course content typically includes:

• Types of fires

• Firefighting equipment operations

• Firefighting procedures

• Fist aid procedures

• Rescue procedures

Further training occurs on the job. The Army and the Navy offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian firefighters work for city and county fire departments, other government agencies, and industrial firms. They perform duties similar to those performed by military firefighters, including rescue and salvage work.

Opportunities

Each year new firefighters are needed due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field.  After training, new firefighters perform work under close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and may supervise others. Eventually, they may become chiefs of base fire departments or similar units.  

E-Learning Courses and Programs

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Some ways to explore this field are: summer employment with The National Park or Forest Services, work as a volunteer Fire Fighter, service in the military, participation in a formal apprenticeship program, and postsecondary programs in fire science.

           School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Fire Department

internships

volunteer work with a Firefighter

community service work with an agency

Most Fire Fighters find their jobs through direct application to local Civil Service commissions and other employers and completion of an apprenticeship program. Assistance may be available from high school or college placement offices, local unions, and Michigan Works! offices. Newspaper want ads may list job openings. In addition, you should access and search the internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings for Fire Fighters are established by local communities and vary greatly. Wages are highest in large cities.

Nationally, in 2008 the median salary of all Fire Fighters was $50,440a year.  The median yearly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $37,544 in 2008.

Fire Fighters' annual salaries (mid 2009) in Michigan cities were:

Fire Fighters working evenings or nights may receive a shift premium. Volunteers may be paid hourly, monthly, or on a per fire basis.

Because of the hazardous nature of the work, sick leave and injury benefits for Fire Fighters are better than average and the retirement age is 55 with 25 years of service. Most Fire Fighters also receive paid vacations and holidays; life, hospitalization, and disability insurance; retirement plans; sick leave; and death duty payments (special benefits paid to families of workers who die on the job).

Some Fire Fighters receive dental, prescription and/or optical plans. Most fire departments provide some allowance for uniforms and protective helmets, boots, and rubber coats.

In most departments, chances for promotion are usually good. Advancement usually depends on written exams, ratings from supervisors, and seniority.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in 2006, approximately 292,900 Fire Fighters were employed. Employment in this occupation is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. The industry distribution for Fire Fighters looked like this:

To find employers, click Employer/Business Locator.

Opportunities should be available as new full-time fire departments replace volunteer organizations in small communities and as existing fire departments expand in growing suburban areas. Most openings are expected to result from the need to replace those who retire, die, or transfer to other occupations. Fire prevention officers in industry and business, and fire safety education specialists are in demand.  

Due to the events of 9-11, increased security measures as well as funding is now available for state and local municipalities to purchase equipment, and to train and hire more workers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to helping first responders nation-wide by ensuring that emergency response professionals, including police officers, fire fighters, and EMS are prepared, equipped and trained for any situation, and by bringing together information and resources to prepare for and respond to a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other large-scale emergency. Grants are being made available to states and local municipalities to ensure and enhance the capacity of states and local jurisdictions to prevent, deter, and respond safely and effectively to incidents of terrorism.

Approximately, 6,725 Fire Fighters are employed in Michigan. Most Fire Fighters worked in urban areas.  

Employment of Fire Fighters in Michigan is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2016. An average of 290 annual job openings is expected, with 40 due to growth and 250 needed to replace those who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as Fire Fighters transfer to other jobs or occupations. In 2008, there were  8 apprentices in training for this occupation, and 6 completed the apprentice program during the prior 12 months.

Competition for these jobs may be intense. Employment opportunities will be due to replacement of volunteer departments with full-time, professional fire fighters, and shorter work hours for city Fire Fighters.  

MICHIGAN'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2006-2016

     MSA designates a Metropolitan Statistical Area  

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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 Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth