Description
Respond to fires and other emergencies to protect life, property, and the environment. Perform fire suppression, emergency medical care, hazardous materials operations, technical rescue, fire prevention, and public education.
- • Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident scenes, and water hazards.
- • Don turnout gear, SCBA, and other protective equipment.
- • Size up incidents and report conditions over the radio to receive assignments.
- • Advance toward the seat of the fire using knowledge of fire behavior, building construction, and layout.
- • Respond to alarms and requests for assistance, including structure fires, vehicle crashes, and industrial incidents.
- • Force entry and ventilate structures using axes, saws, and other tools.
- • Drive and operate engines, trucks, and other firefighting apparatus.
- • Overhaul and inspect fire areas to identify hidden fire and prevent rekindle.
- • Raise, position, and climb ladders to access upper levels and rescue occupants.
- • Select nozzles and apply water or foam streams appropriate to the fire.
- • Maintain continuous communications with dispatch and command, requesting resources as needed.
- • Work as part of a firefighting team to achieve tactical objectives.
- • Patrol and monitor burned areas to locate and extinguish hot spots.
- • Coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies during emergencies and investigations.
- • Participate in drills, live-fire training, and public demonstrations.
- • Stay current on firefighting, rescue, and EMS practices through training and continuing education.
- • Document incidents, patient care, and activities in accurate, timely reports.
- • Maintain physical fitness through regular conditioning and skills training.
- • Protect property from water, smoke, and debris using salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants.
- • Educate the community on fire prevention, safety practices, and emergency preparedness.
- • Conduct salvage and overhaul, including removing debris and ventilating structures.
- • Maintain situational awareness using maps, preplans, and GPS during operations.
- • Clean, service, and test firefighting equipment, tools, and apparatus; maintain station facilities.
- • Inspect occupancies for fire hazards and code compliance; test alarms and suppression systems.
- • Contain and mitigate hazardous materials leaks, spills, or fires at the operations level.
- • Suppress fires using hand tools, portable extinguishers, and engine- or truck-mounted pumps.
- • Provide first aid, CPR, and basic or advanced life support as certified.
- • Operate fire pumps, hydrants, and hose lines at correct pressures and flows.
- • Search for, locate, and evacuate victims using search patterns and thermal imaging.
- • Mentor and help train new firefighters in tactics, safety, and department procedures.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
