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Fire Fighters

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 Firefighters' Association
2701 K Street, Suite 201
Sacramento, CA 95816
(800) 451-2732
http://www.csfa.firedept.net

National Fire Protection Association
One Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269-9101
(617) 770-3000
http://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.