All careers

Firefighters

Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.

What you’d do

  • Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards.
  • Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons or provide emergency medical care such as basic or advanced life support.
  • Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus.
  • Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties.
  • Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment.
  • Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents.
  • Search to locate fire survivors.
  • Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses.

Skills that matter

  • Coordination
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Monitoring

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Fire Engineer
  • Fire Equipment Operator
  • Fireman
  • Wildland Firefighter
  • Fire Rescue Technician (Fire Rescue Tech)
  • Fire Technician (Fire Tech)

Related careers

See all careers

  • First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers

    Directly supervise and coordinate activities of workers engaged in firefighting and fire prevention and control.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Enforce fire regulations, inspect forest for fire hazards, and recommend forest fire prevention or control measures.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Fire Inspectors and Investigators

    Inspect buildings to detect fire hazards and enforce local ordinances and state laws, or investigate and gather facts to determine cause…

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Research causes of fires, determine fire protection methods, and design or recommend materials or equipment such as structural components…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Monitor recreational areas, such as pools, beaches, or ski slopes, to provide assistance and protection to participants.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Emergency Medical Technicians

    • Bright Outlook
    • Rapid Growth

    Assess injuries and illnesses and administer basic emergency medical care. May transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree