Understanding how to become a firefighter involves researching the requirements of your local fire service, preparing for physical tests and written exams, and gaining relevant experience through volunteering or fire cadet programs. Ensure you meet educational and physical qualifications, then apply during recruitment periods and complete training at a fire academy.

What Are the Main Types of Firefighters?

Firefighters play an essential role in responding to emergencies such as fires, accidents, earthquakes, and other disasters in the community. They work to extinguish fires and rescue victims while minimising property damage. Some firefighters specialise in specific roles and environments based on their training and responsibilities. Here are the different types of firefighters:

• Municipal Firefighter: These are the most common type of firefighters who work for local fire departments and are dispatched to fires, medical emergencies, car accidents, hazardous materials incidents, and other calls in urban or suburban areas. They may also be responsible for fire prevention, education, and community outreach programmes.
• Wildland Firefighter: Wildland firefighters receive specialised training to fight fires in forests, grasslands, and other unpopulated rural areas. They employ special equipment and techniques to control wildfires and preserve natural resources, wildlife, and rural communities. Wildland firefighters work in adverse conditions and may be deployed for long periods during fire season.
• Airport Firefighter: Airport firefighters, also known as Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel, are based at airports and are responsible for responding to aircraft incidents. They are specially trained to deal with aircraft fires, fuel spills, and evacuations. They are on standby to help passengers and crew should an emergency occur.
• Industrial Firefighter: Industrial firefighters protect people, animals, and property from fires, chemical spills, and explosions. They work in factories, chemical plants, oil refineries, and other industrial plants with high fire risks. They receive training on how to fight fires involving hazardous materials, as well as chemical spills and explosions. They may also receive training in chemical safety and industrial fire-fighting techniques.
• Volunteer Firefighter: Volunteer firefighters work part-time or on a volunteer basis in local communities. They respond to emergency calls in rural or small communities that do not have full-time fire departments. Volunteer firefighters receive the same basic training as professional firefighters, but they might be available only at certain times of day because they also have other jobs.
• Fire Investigator: Fire investigators specialise in determining the origin and cause of fires. They examine fire scenes for indicators of arson, electrical origins, or accidental fires and assist law enforcement on the scene of a fire with criminal investigations.
• Fire Officer: A fire officer is a member of the senior ranks of the fire department who is responsible for leadership and management of department operations. Fire officers orchestrate and direct the strategic aspects of fire-fighting and other emergency response operations. Additionally, fire officers typically manage personnel at a fire station, train and develop personnel, develop and manage the fire department budget, and participate in policy-making roles within the fire service.
• Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Firefighter: Hazmat firefighters are specifically trained to deal with incidents involving hazardous materials, including chemicals, biological agents, or radioactive materials. They respond to chemical spills, perform decontamination, and remove and dispose of hazardous materials and waste.
• Rescue Technician: A rescue technician is a firefighter who specialises in technical rescue such as water rescue, high-angle rescue, and confined space rescue. Using advanced rescue techniques and equipment, rescue technicians are trained to save victims trapped in potentially life-threatening situations.
• Firefighter Paramedic: Firefighter paramedics are dual-trained as firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or paramedics. When not serving as firefighters and responding to fires, they provide medical care to the victims of accidents, cardiac arrests, and other emergencies, often as first responders.

What Does a Firefighter Do?

Firefighters do more than fight fires. They have many job duties to protect life, property, and the environment. The exact list of responsibilities may differ depending on the type of firefighter and where they work. Still, the general duties of a firefighter include:

• Responding to Emergencies: Firefighters respond to various emergencies, including fires, medical emergencies, car accidents, hazardous material spills, and natural disasters. They are trained to handle a variety of emergencies and may be among the first responders to arrive at a scene.
• Putting Out Fires: One of the primary responsibilities of a firefighter is to extinguish fires. They use hoses, fire extinguishers, and ladders to put out fires in buildings, vehicles, or outdoor areas. These professionals also use ventilation equipment to eliminate smoke and dangerous gases from buildings.
• Rescuing People: Firefighters rescue people who are trapped within buildings, vehicles, and other structures that have caught fire, as well as in other dangerous situations. This can include using hydraulic rescue tools – commonly known as the ‘Jaws of Life’ – to help free people trapped in wrecked cars or other structures.
• Providing Emergency Medical Care: Many firefighters are trained as EMTs (Emergency Medical Technicians) and paramedics and provide medical care at accident or emergency scenes. They administer first aid, perform CPR, stabilise patients, and transport them to medical facilities.
• Conducting Fire Prevention and Education: Firefighters train the public in fire safety and prevention. They conduct fire drills in schools, inspect buildings for fire hazards, and educate the community about fire prevention, such as the need for smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and escape plans.
• Maintaining Equipment: Firefighters must regularly maintain and inspect their fire-fighting equipment and vehicles. The equipment must be kept in proper condition and checked to ensure it is ready for use. Hoses, ladders, breathing apparatus, and fire trucks are examples of equipment that must be maintained and inspected.
• Constant Training: A firefighter’s life is never dull. By the very nature of their job, firefighters must train constantly. They regularly participate in drills and practice real-life scenarios to ensure they have the skills to face any emergency. This training covers everything from fire-fighting techniques to search-and-rescue operations and new technologies.
• Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives (CBRNE) Response: When a chemical spill, gas leak, or other hazardous material incident occurs, firefighters respond as hazmat responders. They assess the scene, mitigate the threat, and decontaminate the area or individuals. Hazmat firefighters use specialised suits and equipment to prevent contaminants from affecting their bodies.
• Inspections of Buildings and Fire Scenes: Firefighters often visit commercial and residential buildings for inspections to ensure compliance with fire codes and verify that fire safety equipment, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and extinguishers, is functioning correctly. They also investigate fires to determine their origin and cause in conjunction with fire investigators, answering the question: Was the fire an accident or arson?
• Emergency Preparedness: Firefighters conduct mock drills, check fire hydrants, and collaborate with other emergency services to create disaster response plans aimed at preventing loss of life and property.

Average Firefighter Salary

A firefighter’s salary in the UK is influenced by their years of experience, the location where they work, and the type of fire service they work for. Firefighters in urban areas or those with additional responsibilities (such as a team leader) tend to earn more than those in rural areas. Here is a breakdown of typical firefighter salaries:

• Entry-Level Firefighter: Typically, £24,000 to £28,000 per year for newly qualified firefighters. These firefighters are still in the probationary stages of their careers.
• Experienced Firefighter: After a few years’ experience, firefighters earn between £30,000 and £35,000 a year. Experienced firefighters have completed full training and may be able to mentor recruits or lead small teams in operations.
• Fire Officer/Watch Manager: Fire officers or watch managers who run fire stations or lead fire-fighting teams earn between £40,000 and £50,000 per year. These individuals are usually senior firefighters, with most of their time spent on leadership responsibilities.
• Senior Fire Officer/Station Manager: These senior fire officers run entire fire stations or large teams of firefighters and can earn up to £70,000 a year. They play a significant role in decision-making during major incidents and contribute to strategic planning to shape the development of the fire service.
• Specialised Firefighters: Specially trained firefighters, such as hazmat responders or rescue technicians, often receive higher pay based on their skills or the risks involved.

Essential Skills of a Firefighter

To become a successful firefighter, one should be physically fit, well-versed in technical skills, and possess the key qualities of a firefighter, such as staying calm under pressure, working well in a team, and helping people in need. Here are the crucial competencies required for a career in fire-fighting:

• Physical Fitness: One primary responsibility of fire-fighting is to put out fires, which is physically demanding. It involves dealing with burning structures and controlling the fire. Therefore, it requires significant physical strength, stamina, and agility. A firefighter must be able to carry heavy equipment, climb ladders, and move quickly to rescue people from fires, necessitating high fitness levels. This can only be maintained through regular fitness training.
• Team Player: Due to the nature of the job, firefighters depend on each other during emergencies. Working well as a team is essential for their safety. Firefighters must communicate effectively, follow instructions, and trust their colleagues to act quickly and responsibly in high-pressure situations.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Firefighters often face complex and potentially dangerous situations that require quick thinking and problem-solving. They must constantly assess risks, make snap judgments, and make on-the-go adjustments to protect lives and property.
• Technical Knowledge: Firefighters need to understand fire behaviour, building construction, and fire-fighting tools and equipment. This knowledge ensures they can make the right decisions in emergencies and use their tools and equipment correctly.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with their team, other emergency personnel, and the public during emergencies is crucial. Good communication skills help maintain order and clarity, ensuring everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
• Calm Under Pressure: Firefighters regularly confront life-threatening situations. They must be able to remain calm, control their emotions, and focus on the task at hand when under extreme pressure.
• Medical Knowledge: Many firefighters receive training in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and other emergency medical procedures. Providing emergency medical assistance to victims of accidents or fires is an essential component of the job.
• Attention to Detail: Firefighters must pay close attention to detail when inspecting equipment, preparing for emergencies, and conducting fire prevention checks. Attention to detail helps ensure that equipment functions properly and that safety procedures are followed.
• Leadership and Decision-Making: Firefighters, especially those in supervisory roles such as captains, need strong leadership skills to manage operations during emergencies. They must make quick decisions, delegate tasks, and lead their team in life-threatening situations.
• Compassion and Empathy: Firefighters often deal with people who have lost their possessions or family members in fires. Compassion and empathy are essential qualities to provide emotional support and assistance to those affected.

Firefighter Tips

Here are some practical tips for aspiring firefighters looking to build a successful career:

1. Maintain Physical Fitness: Firefighting is very physically demanding. Firefighters must be in excellent shape to handle the job’s rigours. This means engaging in regular exercise, weight training, and cardiovascular fitness. Many fire departments also include a fitness test as part of the recruitment process.
2. Obtain Related Work Experience: Gain experience by volunteering with your local fire department or participating in community fire safety programmes. Consider becoming a volunteer firefighter or joining fire cadet programmes.
3. Get Firefighter Training and Qualifications: Most fire services require prospective firefighters to complete basic training at an accredited fire academy. Some departments may also require additional certifications in first aid, hazardous materials operations, or rescue techniques. Research the specific requirements of the fire service you wish to join.
4. Brace for the Recruitment Process: The firefighter recruitment process is highly competitive and involves written examinations, physical fitness assessments, interviews, and medical tests. Prepare thoroughly for each stage, particularly the physical fitness assessments, which demand excellent fitness and stamina.
5. Stay Calm: Firefighters must remain calm in life-and-death situations. Developing the ability to act calmly, think clearly, and make decisions quickly under pressure is crucial to the role.
6. Continue Learning and Training: As firefighting techniques and technologies evolve, so must your knowledge. Stay updated on the latest developments in the field by participating in continuing education and training opportunities related to fire prevention, medical response, and specialised rescue techniques.

Requirements For Firefighter 

To become a firefighter, you must meet physical, educational, and training requirements. Fire departments look for training, good physical condition, and mental strength in candidates, as being a firefighter is demanding. Here are the standard requirements for firefighters:

• Physical Fitness: You should be able to run 1.5 km in 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Additionally, during training, you should be able to climb a ladder while carrying a 25 kg load. Firefighters must also pass a series of physical fitness tests, including tests of strength, endurance, and agility, to ensure they can perform the physically demanding tasks required for fire-fighting safely.

• Educational Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and have at least five GCSEs, including English and Maths, or equivalent qualifications. Some fire services may also require additional educational qualifications or experience in related fields, such as first aid or health and safety.

• Aptitude Test: Fire services that include this stage of selection often require candidates to take a written aptitude test. This test measures their ability to understand and apply fire-fighting principles and may include questions on mechanical reasoning, reading comprehension, and numerical skills.
• Medical Evaluation: All candidates must pass a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure they are in good health and capable of performing the physical tasks required of a firefighter. This evaluation includes sight and hearing tests, as well as overall health assessments.
• Firefighter Training: Following selection, recruits must attend a firefighter training programme at an accredited fire academy. This course covers fire behaviour, rescue techniques, equipment use, emergency medical procedures, live-fire exercises, and simulated emergencies.
• Background Check: When applying to become a firefighter, a background check is conducted to determine if the applicant has a criminal record that would automatically disqualify them from the role.

How to Become a Firefighter

Is it something you’re passionate about and willing to work hard for? Do you have the stamina and endurance to become a firefighter? If you answered yes, congratulations! You’re on your way to becoming a firefighter. It’s not a job you can stumble into; it requires hard work, dedication, and a genuine desire to serve. The following guide will help you get started.

1. Research Fire Services: The qualifications, training, and physical fitness requirements to become a firefighter can vary slightly between fire services. Research the specific fire service you are interested in to understand their requirements.
2. Preparing for the Physical Tests and Written Exams: Being a firefighter involves passing physical fitness tests and written exams. Start preparing by developing your strength and endurance through regular exercise. Review sample questions and practise with test materials for the written aptitude tests.
3. Gain Experience: Volunteering as a firefighter or participating in a fire cadet programme can provide valuable experience and help you stand out in the recruitment process. In addition to meeting educational requirements, relevant experience can enhance your application.
4. Obtain Basic Qualifications: Ensure you meet the minimum requirements, such as five GCSEs, and consider gaining additional qualifications in first aid or health and safety to strengthen your application.
5. Apply to a Fire Service: When you are fully prepared, apply to a fire service during their recruitment periods. Submit your application and get ready for the recruitment process, which includes physical testing, aptitude exams, interviews, and medical examinations.
6. Work at a Fire Station: Upon selection, you will complete a probationary period at a fire station under the guidance of senior firefighters. This training will cover:
   1. Fire safety
   2. Administering emergency medical care
   3. Using fire-fighting equipment and techniques
   4. Hands-on experience in real-life emergencies
7. Continue Learning and Developing Skills: As a firefighter, you must continually update your knowledge and skills. Stay current with new fire-fighting techniques, safety procedures, and equipment. There are also opportunities to specialise further in areas such as rescue operations, hazardous materials, or fire investigation.

Get Qualified as a Firefighter (CTA)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should You Be a Firefighter?

Being a firefighter is a job where you can help save lives, protect property, and contribute to environmental conservation. It is very rewarding for those who enjoy working as part of a team, helping others, and performing well under pressure.

Is Being a Firefighter a Good Career Choice for You?

If you are healthy, have strong analytical skills, and thrive in high-stress situations, firefighting might be the right career for you. It is a challenging job, but you could find great satisfaction in serving your community and take pride in working with others to help those in need.

Firefighter Salaries

In the UK, firefighter salaries vary depending on experience level and geographic location. The starting salary for a firefighter is between £24,000 and £28,000. Experienced firefighters can earn between £30,000 and £35,000, while senior fire officers and specialist firefighters can earn more than £40,000 annually.

Which Qualifications Can Help with a Career as a Firefighter?

In addition to the basic educational qualifications (five GCSEs or equivalent), having first-aid qualifications and health and safety certificates can be advantageous. Specialist training may be required if you choose to focus on areas such as hazardous materials or rescue operations.

Do I Need to Be an Experienced Firefighter to Get Started?

Not at all. Most firefighters do not have prior firefighting experience before being employed by a fire service. Training programmes vary between services but are designed to ensure newly appointed firefighters acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their role to a high standard. While previous experience in first aid or emergency response can be beneficial, it is not a prerequisite.

Firefighter Career Outlook

There is a stable demand for firefighters, with fire services routinely recruiting new personnel in the UK. Opportunities for promotion exist, particularly if you specialise in areas such as fire investigation, hazardous materials response, or leadership within the fire service.

Firefighter Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Firefighters typically start as entry-level recruits and may be promoted to positions such as watch manager, station officer, or divisional officer. Advancement to senior leadership roles involves overseeing large teams of firefighters or multiple fire stations.

Firefighter Exit Options and Opportunities

It is common for firefighters to transition into related fields such as fire investigation, health and safety consulting, or emergency management. Additionally, some firefighters move into teaching roles, where they can train future generations or work in fire safety education.