Firefighters

Firefighters typically perform the following tasks: • Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards. • Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus. • Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios. • Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties. • Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents. • Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters. • Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment. • Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger. • Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures. • Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires. • Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses. • Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered. • Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew. • Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires. • Collaborate with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls. • Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques. • Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents. • Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences. • Participate in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness. • Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.