“All men are created equal, then a few become firemen” – Anon. Isn’t it a really powerful quote?! Firefighters are like that! They are heroes among us who are strong, fearless, resolute, level-headed, kind, and encouraging. You’ve probably noticed how much people adore and appreciate superheroes in movies. What makes them so popular?
Apart from the fact that they look cool, it’s mostly because they risk their lives to save others, right?! That is exactly what our real-life heroes (firefighters) do. Also, they look super cool too! Just that, instead of a cape, mask, or suit, they wear protective gear on their bodies and carry a lot of compassion in their hearts as they go out to serve and save people and animals in danger.
Do you aspire to be a firefighter or are you just exploring the field? In either case, you’ve come to the right place! This blog discusses the skills required, colleges and courses, salary, and what else it takes to become a firefighter. Follow the step-by-step guide in the blog to become a firefighter.
Firefighters, also known as firemen, are highly skilled individuals who fight and extinguish fires. They also take important steps to prevent fires, investigate fire causes, and serve as emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
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Anyone, regardless of background or stream, can choose to become a firefighter. However, students considering a BSc or BTech are advised to choose the science stream.
Students can pursue the following certifications in ‘Fire Safety Training Courses’:
The basic educational requirement is a Class 10th certificate from a recognized Indian education board. Some firefighting jobs may require a Class 12 certificate or advanced qualifications such as a diploma or bachelor’s degree. Some employers may prefer candidates who have safety management or emergency medical technician certificate (EMT).
How to become a firefighter after 10th?
Students who have completed their 10th can enrol in the following diploma programmes:
Diploma courses to become a firefighter in India:
| Course | Duration |
| ITI Fireman Course | 1 year |
| ITI Fire Technology and Safety Management | 1 year |
| ITI Safety and Security course | 1 year |
| Diploma in Fire-Safety and Hazard Management | 1 year |
| Diploma in Safety Management | 1 year |
| Diploma in Fireman Training | 1 year |
| Diploma in Driver cum Pump Operator | 1 year |
| Diploma in Fire-Safety and Security Management | 1 year |
How to become a firefighter after 12th?
To become a firefighter In India
Aspirants after the 12th can enrol in a diploma or bachelor’s degree programme to become a firefighter. If you are looking for senior firefighter positions, a strong academic background will confirm the job of the candidates.
| Course | Duration |
| Diploma in Fire Sub Officer | 1 year |
| Diploma in Assistant Fire Sub Officer | 1 year |
| Diploma in Industrial Safety | 1 year |
| Diploma in Fire and Safety Engineering | 1-2 years |
| Diploma in Fire and Safety Technology | 1-2 years |
| Diploma in Fire Safety Lateral Entry | 1 year |
| Name of Institution | Location |
| OPJS University | Rajasthan |
| Galgotias University | Uttar Pradesh |
| JS University | Uttar Pradesh |
| Singhania University | Rajasthan |
| Jharkhand Rai University | Jharkhand |
| Bhagwant University | Rajasthan |
| Rajiv Gandhi Institute For Steel Technology | Karnataka |
| Mewar University | Rajasthan |
| Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University | Gujarat |
| Sardar Patel University | Madhya Pradesh |
| Course | Duration |
| B.Sc. Fire and Industrial Safety | 3 years |
| B.Tech. Fire and Safety Engineering | 4 years |
| Name of Institution | Location |
| Rajasthan Fire Service Academy | Rajasthan |
| Institute of Industrial and Marine Safety | Tamil Nadu |
| National Institute of Fire and Safety Engineering | Himachal Pradesh |
| National Institute of Fire Engineering and Safety Management (NIFS Secunderabad) | Secunderabad |
| Institute of Fire and Safety Engineering | West Bengal |
| School of Engineering, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies | Uttarakhand |
| OPJS University | Rajasthan |
| Sandip University | Maharashtra |
| NFSC Nagpur – National Fire Service College | Maharashtra |
| Medi-Caps University | Madhya Pradesh |
To become firefighter abroad
Each country has different requirements for the age and qualifications required to become a firefighter. To be a firefighter in some countries, such as the United States, you must be an American citizen. The following are some of the firefighting courses available to students studying abroad:
| Course | Duration |
| Bachelor’s in Fire Science | 4 years |
| BS in Fire Safety & Emergency Service | 4 years |
| BS in Fire Administration | 3-4 years |
| BS in Fire Science & Public Safety Administration | 3-4 years |
| BA in Fire Service Administration | 3-4 years |
| BS in Emergency Science-Fire Service Management | 3-4 years |
| BS in Fire Protection Administration & Technology | 3-4 years |
| Fire and Rescue BSc (Hons) | 3 years |
| Fire and Leadership Studies BSc (Hons) | 3 years |
| Name of Institution | Location |
| University of Florida | United States |
| Providence College | United States |
| Holy Family University | United States |
| Lewis University | United States |
| University of Nebraska Omaha | United States |
| Western Illinois University | United States |
| California State Los Angeles | United States |
| Jefferson College of Health Sciences | United States |
| University of Wolverhampton | United Kingdom |
| University of Central Lancashire | United Kingdom |
Get in a good physical condition: When putting out fires and performing rescue operations, firefighters engage in physical labour. Physical strength and endurance are required to complete these tasks effectively. You can improve your stamina by exercising on a regular basis. This also aids in your preparation for firefighter selection exams.
Do volunteer work: Contact your local fire department and express your desire to work as a volunteer firefighter. It can help you meet other firefighters and gain valuable field experience. You can stay up to date on industry news and developments in firefighting techniques and equipment.
Research career opportunities in various industries: Aside from your local fire station, look into other sectors for career opportunities for firefighters such as fire safety instructor, fire safety officer, fire safety engineer, fire protection design engineer, and fire protection technician.
Training: Entry-level firefighters will receive a few months of training at fire academies run by the fire department or the state. Through classroom instruction and hands-on training, recruits will learn firefighting, fire prevention methods, how to use various types of firefighting equipment, and emergency medical techniques. You will also learn about building fire safety codes and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards as part of the training program.
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An entry-level firefighter with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an annual compensation (tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ₹2,10,000.
The following are some entry-level firefighters’ salaries from around the world.
| Country | Annual Salary |
| Switzerland | CHF 64’686 |
| United States | $50,097 |
| Canada | $57,351 (CAD) |
| Japan | ¥4,371,427 |
| Australia | $66,858 (AUD) |
| Germany | €42,931 |
| United Kingdom | £29,620 |
| Ireland | €39,791 |
| New Zealand | $61,800 (NZD) |
| Norway | KR 505,272 |
If you’ve arrived at this point in the blog, it can only mean one thing: you like firefighters and may one day become one yourself!
As a bonus, a list of a few inspiring movies about firefighters is included here. Check them out and have fun exploring more!
A firefighter is almost always the first official “on the scene” of a fire, car accident, or other emergencies, which is why they are referred to as “first responders.” It’s one of those important professions where people put their own lives in danger to save the lives of others. As stated at the beginning of the blog, it is a real-life superhero’s profession. Best wishes on your journey to becoming one!
Ans: A firefighter earns an average annual salary of ₹362,221 in India. The pay you receive may differ depending on your location, designation, skills, and experience.
Firefighters with 5 to 10 years of experience earn more than those at the beginning or middle of their careers.
Ans: The following countries have the highest annual salaries for firefighters:
1. SWITZERLAND – $102,000
2. UNITED STATES – $80,000
3. CANADA – $80,000
4. JAPAN – $73,300
5. AUSTRALIA – $71,000
6. GERMANY – $67,000
7. UNITED KINGDOM – $61,000
8. IRELAND – $53,000
9. NEW ZEALAND – $52,000
10. NORWAY – $47,500
Ans: A 10th Secondary School Certificate is the minimum educational requirement for a firefighter job. Some jobs may necessitate a 12th Higher Secondary Certificate or advanced credentials such as a diploma or bachelor’s degree.
Ans: A firefighter’s job is one of the most dangerous and difficult professions, requiring great care and dedication to complete the job flawlessly. Those who are daring and want to work in unusual circumstances choose a career in firefighting. This profession is exciting, and dangerous, and can provide a lot of personal fulfilment. The progress in this sector is increasing as more people become aware of the importance of safety and prevention.
Ans: Fire Engineering and Industrial Safety are rapidly gaining popularity among Indian students. Whereas in other countries, Fire Engineering and Industrial Safety are integrated into the majority of university programmes. The introduction of Fire Engineering and Industrial Safety courses is an indicator of industrial growth.
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