Fire Brigade Jobs

Fire brigade jobs types of jobs that involve the control and termination of fires to protect life, property and environment. Fire brigade jobs are comprised of firefighter jobs and firefighter dispatcher or telecommunications jobs.

Firefighters

Firefighters are trained and equipped to extinguish fires that pose hazard to human life, properties and environment. Firefighters may perform emergency services such as:

  • respond to fire alarms and emergency calls
  • control and put out fires
  • deal with bomb threats
  • rescue victims from burning buildings
  • test, check and maintain firefighting equipment
  • conduct search and rescue operations during fire
  • provide and administer first aid in the absence of ambulance
  • investigate fires to find out the cause.

The fire prevention aspect of a firefighter's tasks may include:
give fire prevention presentations in school and in public places
ensure that building owners or managers comply with fire safety rules
conduct inspections of fire alarms, smoke alarms and fire hydrants.

You must be at least 18 years old to become a firefighter. Each fire service has its own entry requirements, thus, it's best that you contact the fire service you wish to join for information.

Generally, you must have a good general standard of education, good eyesight, and good level of physical fitness.

Control/dispatch/telecommunicator

Part of the fire brigade jobs are those employed in fire brigade dispatcher jobs. They are the ones who receive calls from the public, mobilise and dispatch appropriate resources (the nearest fire truck and firefighters on call) according to approved protocols, and arrange provisions of ongoing support at fire location.

Dispatchers in emergency services jobs such as fire brigade may perform the following tasks:

  • monitor availability of resources
  • establish the location of emergency calls
  • mobilise and dispatch emergency fire resources
  • liaise with key agencies
  • give fire survival advice to callers in danger.

You must be at least 18 years old to become a dispatcher. It's best that you contact the fire service you wish to join for entry requirements.

Generally, you must have a good general standard of education and excellent communication and active listening skills. You must also be able to make fast but accurate and efficient judgement calls. The ability to remain calm in stressful situations is important.

Salaries for fire brigade jobs vary depending on employer, skill level and location of employment. Some people in fire brigade jobs are volunteer firefighters.