Firefighters
On the Job
Firefighters respond to fire emergencies where life, property, or the environment is at risk. They may work to prevent or put out fires. Some also provide emergency medical attention.
Physical Demands
This career requires physical strength and good eyesight.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Inspect equipment to ensure safety or proper functioning.
- Inspect facilities to ensure compliance with fire regulations.
- Administer first aid.
- Rescue people from hazardous situations.
- Respond to emergencies to provide assistance.
- Block physical access to restricted areas.
- Operate firefighting equipment.
- Participate in physical training to maintain fitness.
- Protect property from fire or water damage.
- Operate firefighting equipment.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having face-to-face discussions.
- Working with a group or team.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Close physical proximity with other people.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.
- Exposure to hazardous equipment.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Dealing with unpleasant or angry people.
- High levels of competition.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.