FIRE FIGHTERS Number 241 Interest Area 4 1998
THE JOB
FIRE FIGHTERS in city fire departments work to protect the community against injury, loss of life, and destruction of property by fire. When a fire is reported, Fire Fighters respond quickly and work as a highly organized team to put it out. They train and drill hard and often in order to do their duties and prepare for emergencies.
Arriving at a fire as fast as safety permits, Fire Fighters assess the situation to determine what actions to take. Using their knowledge of various types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties, Fire Fighters work toward the source of the fire. They lay and connect hose lines, select and attach nozzles, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto the fire in a way that best stops it. They may place ladders and force their way into a burning structure using axes, crowbars, saws, and power tools. Equipped with fire resistant clothing and breathing apparatus, Fire Fighters may have to make their way through smoke-filled passages to get to the source of a fire or to rescue people who are trapped in the burning structure.
When the fire is completely out, Fire Fighters must look for clues as to its cause. Any evidence must be preserved, especially when arson is suspected. Fire Fighters may help salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, ventilating buildings to remove smoke, and checking utilities or appliances to insure that they can be safely used.
Fire Fighters rescue people from burning structures, give first aid to the injured, and help in the resuscitation of victims overcome by smoke. Rescue trucks are equipped with such tools as cutting torches, saws, resuscitators, first aid kits, lights, and other rescue equipment. Some departments have paramedic units able to provide more complex medical aid.
Fire Fighters may spend only a small part of their schedule on emergency calls. If not responding to alarms, they may drill to improve teamwork, exercise, or study new fire fighting techniques and the properties of new building materials. They maintain department vehicles and fire fighting equipment. They also keep up the station, living quarters, and grounds.
In most fire departments, fire prevention and public safety education are handled by special bureaus. Fire Fighters from these bureaus inspect buildings and grounds for conditions that might cause a fire. They also speak to groups to educate the public about fire prevention and safety. However, at the neighborhood level, all Fire Fighters are increasingly involved in these activities.
WORKING CONDITIONS
When not fighting fires, on-duty Fire Fighters spend a lot of time in comfortable surroundings. They stay in the fire station throughout the long shift, where they cook, sleep, and relax while not doing drills or station duties. They must, however, become used to being constantly in the company of coworkers.
When a fire is reported, all this changes and Fire Fighters must work in conditions that are highly stressful and very physically demanding. They are exposed to many hazards including falls, falling objects, flames, smoke, toxic chemicals, and noxious fumes. While fighting a fire, Fire Fighters risk death or injury.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 20,130 Estimated number of workers in 2005 24,640 Projected Growth 1993-2005 22% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 10,840
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The number of Fire Fighters will grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2005. The number of Fire Fighters employed is and will be affected by the availability of funds in the cities where the fire departments are located. Employment will likely rise mostly in rapidly growing areas. In recent years, the number of qualified applicants has been consistently greater than the number of job openings.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salary schedules vary according to jurisdiction and skill level. In California, the hourly median wage for Fire Fighters is $17.25. Journey- level Fire Fighters with several years of experience can earn $3,800 a month and more.
Additional skills such as Emergency Medical Technician or Fire Science certification may be the basis for additional compensation. Fire departments have rotating shifts that involve working 24 hours, followed by 24 or 48 hours off duty. Scheduled on-duty shifts average 56 hours per week.
Fringe benefits include paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, and group insurance and retirement programs. Additionally, many fire departments provide a clothing allowance of up to $400 a year.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Hiring requirements for Fire Fighters are very strict, reflecting the critical nature of the job. Fire Fighters must be emotionally and physically fit and able to work under stressful and physically demanding situations. Applicants must usually pass a written test, an oral interview, a physical abilities test, a medical evaluation, and a background investigation. Those who get the highest scores have the best chances for a job. Appointments are made on a probationary basis and become permanent after six months to one year of satisfactory service. Residency in the local municipality is required for permanent employment in many fire departments. High school graduation or the equivalent is often required. A good driving record may be necessary.
Physical standards for prospective Fire Fighters are very high. A problem that may seem minor to the applicant can be disqualifying. Standards on vision require good eyesight before correction and nearly perfect vision after correction with glasses or contact lenses. The physical abilities test, given by most fire departments, is made up of tasks such as running and climbing while carrying weight, which measures physical ability to do the job. In addition, applicants must have the mechanical aptitude needed in the use of fire fighting equipment.
Community college courses in fire science may help the applicant to obtain a higher score in the written examination and the interview. Experience as a volunteer Fire Fighter can also be helpful.
ADVANCEMENT
Advancement in most fire agencies is by competitive exam. A Fire Fighter seeking a promotion is often required to participate in college or continuing education programs to keep current with the latest concepts and procedures related to fire suppression, medical training, and management techniques. Promotions can be made in the command direction to positions such as assistant chief, battalion chief, captain, deputy chief, engineer, fire chief, or lieutenant; or the specialist direction, such as boat pilot, fire prevention specialist, hazardous materials squad member, helicopter pilot, inspector, or scuba diver.
FINDING THE JOB
Job openings are usually posted in the employment departments of cities and counties. They may also be listed with the California Employment Development Department and at schools and related types of public places. Local fire stations generally have information about Fire Fighter openings and offer an opportunity to meet Fire Fighters and discuss the job and hiring requirements.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California State Firefighter's Association 2701 K Street, Suite 201 Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 446-9880
National Fire Protection Association One Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269-9101 (617) 770-3000 www.nfpa.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Foresters No. 202 Law Enforcement Occupations No. 457
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991) Fire Fighter 373.364-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Fire Fighters 630080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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