Firefighters respond to emergency situations and primarily protect people, the environment and property from all types of accident and emergencies. They work closely with the local community to increase their level of fire safety awareness in order to help prevent fires and accidents occurring in the first place.
Firefighters promote fire safety and enforce fire safety standards in public and commercial premises by acting and advising on all matters relating to the protection of life and property from fire and other risks. Lectures, exercises, practice drills and other forms of training are an integral and ongoing part of the job.

Tasks:

1. Responds to fire alarms and extinguishes fire;
2. Responds to calls for emergency medical services, and renders first aid;
3. Performs salvage operations such as throwing salvage covers, sweeping water and removing debris;
4. Responds to and renders assistance in emergency cases;
5. Cleans and inspects equipment and apparatus after returning from a fire;
6. Inspects equipment and apparatus and notifies superior officer of any defects;
7. Makes minor repairs to equipment and apparatus, performs routine preventative maintenance tasks, and keeps records of such action;
8. Keeps fire station, equipment and grounds in a clean and orderly condition;
9. Participates in training activities and instruction sessions;
10. Acquires and retains a thorough knowledge of the City, including streets, buildings, water supply, unusual hazards and related items;
11. Performs various public information or education tasks;
12. Enters inspection, training and (on occasion) fire and emergency medical service calls into the records management systems;
13. Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures.

Key skills for firefighter:

• Lifting
• Physical Fitness
• Decision Making
• Handles Pressure
• Deals with Uncertainty
• Judgment
• Objectivity
• Dependability
• Emotional Control
• Integrity
• Safety Management

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: The starting salary for a trainee firefighter is £21,157. When full competence is achieved, this rises to £28,199 per year.
The United States of America: $43,897 per year
Australia: AU$52,429 per year

Qualifications and training required:

A career as a fire fighter doesn't necessarily require formal education beyond a high school diploma; however, it may lead to increased employment opportunities and career advancement. Regardless of an individual's educational experience, a fire fighter's training primarily takes place on the job. Applicants are expected to pass written, physical and medical examinations prior to being considered for a job opening.
Once they are hired, new recruits participate in vigorous physical training exercises before they are permitted to enter the field.