Being a firefighter involves hazardous conditions and long hours. Fire fighters spend much of their time at their firestation. When an alarm goes off they respond, no matter how the weather is or what time it is. Fire fighting is very dangerous they risk their lives everyday, floors can cave in, walls can topple, traffic accidents and exposure to flames and smoke. Fire fighters work long irregular hours, they mostly work in shifts or cycles. Some fire fighters are on duty for 24 hours and then off for 48 hours. Then there is the day shift they work for 10 hours for 3 or 4 days or they can work the night shift for 14 hours for 3 or 4 nights, then they have 3 or 4 days off and repeat the cycle. Fire fighters often work extra hours and on holidays.

Promotion depends on the results of written exams, as well as job performance, interviews, and seniority. Hands-on tests that simulate real-world job situations are also used by some fire departments.Usually, fire fighters are first promoted to engineer, then lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, assistant chief, deputy chief, and, finally, chief. For promotion to positions higher than battalion chief, many fire departments now require a bachelor’s degree, preferably in fire science, public administration, or a related field. An associate degree is required for executive fire officer certification from the National Fire Academy.

Fire fighters receive benefits that include medical and liability insurance, vacation and sick days, and some paid holidays. Almost all fire departments provide the protective clothing (helmets,boots,coats) and breathing apparatus, many also provide the uniforms. Fire fighters are covered by pension plans, which allows them to retire after 25 years at half pay or if a fire fighter is injured on the job.

Salarys of fire fighters vary depending on your position

According to the International City-County Management Association, average salaries in 2006 for sworn full-time positions were as follows: