Ask a Firefighter anything

490 Questions

Last Answer on June 29, 2022

Why did you decide to become a firefighter?

Asked by Carrie almost 11 years ago

1. There was an instilled desire to help others which probably came from being active with Boy Scouts and a Explorer with our police dept. I obtained my EMT which led into firefighting.

2. Working a 3rd day can be taxing even if you don't run a calls it is the mental wear of the 24 hr shift that is the most tiring. Holidays, Birthdays, school activities with your kids sometimes have to be missed due to working which can be frustrating.

3. There are numerous hazards from fires, collapses and car accidents. We are in dangerous locations as you may have witnessed on the news of a firefighter fall into a roof while fighting a fire. We have been killed while working in the street at accidents. So it is difficult to point your finger at the most dangerous things that we come across.

4. We do not have Sgts we have Engineers. These positions are obtained by time on the job, testing both written and practical exams.

5. Become an EMT first and volunteer with a Fire dept or Rescue Squad in your area.

6. The satisfaction of helping others and knowing that they call you when they know that you will take care of their problems.

7. Probably saving a 2 yr. old that had fallen in a pool and we brought him back.

8. I do not have a particular specialty since we are all trained to do the same but I guess you could say that I enjoy EMS the most.

9. Changes in Construction- Things burn faster and hotter, Increased EMS responses with no increase in resources, and increased cost of equipment makes it hard to obtain.

10. Study. Workout, Sleep, Run Calls.

938 Votes

Hello! Ok, so on my birthday I got my gear and number. My parent is a veteran and because of that I am set at very high standards with the team but right now I can't tell a rake from a pike poll! Do you have any advice?

Asked by H.r. almost 11 years ago

Have they scheduled a fire academy class yet?

937 Votes

So you wanna be a Firefighter?

Check our Jobstr's career page for salary information, educational requirements, suggested reading and more!

What is the role of BA board officer?

Asked by ko ko htike over 10 years ago

Have no clue, that title I have not heard of, sorry

936 Votes

hey i noticed when people are going to the fire academy to being vol. firefighters , their helmet says their town and their status but the status says auxiliary . What does that mean and are you able to respond to calls while in the academy ?

Asked by ... over 10 years ago

Auxillary members are those members that can provide help outside of a structure but are not able to work inside

936 Votes

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Asked by Ms herbert about 9 years ago

Incomplete combustion where the fire is not reached its max temp to ensure complete burning of materials, also Rubber and Petroleum products.

935 Votes

Is it awkward when females flirt or check u guys out??

Asked by Akilah over 10 years ago

More ego building lol, but it can be humerous although, but not to many people hate firemen.

934 Votes

There's alot of questions on here for you, don't know if you answered this one but here I go. What's your schedule like (time on, time off)? How do vacations work and does 24 hours on mean your up for that whole time? Are weekends busier?

Asked by Curious fireman questions almost 10 years ago

24 hrs on and 48 hrs off. Come in at 0745 and leave at 0800. I get 12 shifts off a year, which is basically 6 weeks of vacation(I have been with my dept for 25 yrs) If I take one day off it gives me 5 days off. There is no rhyme or reason for when busy days are. I have busy Sundays and slow Fridays. You take them as they come. We are not up for 24 hrs generall after 5 pm it is generally our down time but that is usually earlier. We do training from 1300-1500 every thing else is either cleaning or other chores that you would find in your house since it is mine every 3 days.

930 Votes