Firefighters

Nature of work

In addition to fighting fires, firefighters assist in other emergencies and conduct fire prevention activities. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services.

Job duties

Firefighters perform some or all of the following duties:

• Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies.
• Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites.
• Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals.
• Administer first aid and other assistance.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment.
• Prepare written reports on fire incidents.
• Inform and educate the public on fire prevention.
• Train to maintain high level of physical fitness.
• Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters.
• May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons.
• May supervise and coordinate the work of other firefighters.
• May conduct building inspections to ensure compliance with fire code.

Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers perform some or all of the following duties:

• Develop, implement and evaluate policies and procedures for the operation of a municipal fire department, a district fire region or an industrial firefighting service.
• Plan, direct and coordinate firefighting strategies for fire departments.
• Evaluate the type of fire, the extent of damage to buildings and the danger to nearby establishments.
• Direct activities at the scene of a fire.
• Determine damage estimates and investigate the potential causes of a fire after extinguished.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of security and fire prevention campaigns.
• Represent the fire department in communications with government, the media and the public.
• Direct the training of personnel in firefighting methods.
• Coordinate and monitor budget and departmental resources.

Sample job titles

• fire captain
• fire chief
• fire department duty officer
• fire inspector
• fire lieutenant
• fire prevention officer
• fire safety inspection firefighter
• firefighter
• firefighter apprentice
• firefighter lieutenant

Skills

To work as a firefighter, you must be in excellent health and physical condition. Mental alertness, courage, and mechanical aptitude are necessary. You must be able to perform under stress, react quickly, and be willing to take risks. Leadership and problem-solving skills are needed, as well as the ability to cooperate in a team effort.

Job requirements

• Completion of high school is required.
• Completion of a college program in fire protection technology, fire science or a related field is usually required.
• Completion of a provincial or municipal firefighters training course is required.
• Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services.

Other considerations

Firefighting is one of the most hazardous jobs, involving risk of injury and death. Most paid employment exists in the more heavily populated areas of the province, while smaller communities rely more upon volunteer firefighters. Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage for entry to paid positions. Progression to senior officer positions such as fire chief is possible with additional training and several years of experience.

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