According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Rescue victims from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards. | 94% |
| Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus. | 92% |
| Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios. | 91% |
| Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties. | 91% |
| Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents. | 91% |
| Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters. | 91% |
| Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment. | 90% |
| Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to ensure that there is no further danger. | 90% |
| Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures. | 89% |
| Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires. | 89% |
| Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses. | 88% |
| Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered. | 87% |
| Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew. | 87% |
| Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires. | 86% |
| Collaborate with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls. | 86% |
| Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques. | 85% |
| Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents. | 85% |
| Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences. | 85% |
| Participate in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness. | 85% |
| Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants. | 84% |
| Inform and educate the public on fire prevention. | 84% |
| Salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, and ventilating buildings to remove smoke. | 84% |
| Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute. | 84% |
| Clean and maintain fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus. | 83% |
| Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary. | 83% |
| Take action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill. | 80% |
| Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps. | 79% |
