Many people dream of becoming a firefighter. Firefighters are universal heroes. They come to the aid of people in need, they put their lives on the line, and they do whatever they can to help those that need them most. If you are thinking about a career as a firefighter, you should know that there are multiple directions you can take that may interest you. Read about the different types of firefighting jobs so that you can decide which role would fit you best.
Volunteer Firefighter
Volunteer firefighters, like most firefighters, work under extreme conditions. They promptly respond to emergency calls where they are expected to use hydrants, hoses, ladders, and other tools to stop the spread of fire.
They drive fire trucks and other vehicles used for medical purposes. When they are not fighting fires, volunteer firefighters are expected to inspect equipment and perform tasks assigned by their officers.
Firefighter Engineer
A firefighter engineer’s primary responsibility is to oversee the firefighting vehicle. They drive the vehicle as well as maintain it with frequent repairs. They keep the gas tank full, the engine running smoothly, and clean the equipment.
Moreso than most items on this list of different types of firefighting jobs, firefighter engineers must possess a great deal of technical knowledge. They may also need to go through leadership and management training.
Wildland Firefighter
There are many roles in wildland firefighting. They work together to prevent and control fires spread through forests. They are exposed to adverse conditions like heavy flames. Wildland firefighters must spend much of their time outside, so their training makes them ready for that kind of extreme heat. They also train their communities about the dangers of human-caused wildland fires.
Air Force Firefighter
A very specialized area of firefighting, air force firefighters must give operational aircraft support to their fellow firefighters. This may include performing onboard rescue operations and providing aid to victims of fires. They are inspected by the Air Force to ensure they are following the safety practices for detecting and fighting fires.