How to Be Firefighter/Inspector - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 9, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Firefighter/Inspector is critical to the safety of their community, as they are responsible for preventing catastrophic fires and other hazardous situations. By inspecting buildings for fire safety codes, Firefighters/Inspectors can help identify potential risks, such as blocked exits, overloaded circuits, and faulty wiring. This can help prevent fires from occurring, as well as reduce the damage if a fire does break out.

Firefighters/Inspectors are often tasked with educating the public about fire safety. Through outreach programs, such as home visits, Firefighters/Inspectors can provide essential information about smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety measures that can help protect families and their homes. In this way, Firefighters/Inspectors are an integral part of keeping their community safe.

Steps How to Become

Research your local jurisdiction's requirements for becoming a firefighter or inspector. Some locations have different requirements and qualifications, so you will need to make sure you meet all of them.
Obtain an emergency medical technician certification or a paramedic certification. This is a requirement for most firefighter/inspector positions.
Obtain a valid driver's license. You will need to be able to drive a fire engine or other emergency vehicle in order to respond to fires and other incidents.
Enroll in and complete an accredited fire science program or an equivalent training program. This will help you gain additional knowledge and skills needed for the job.
Submit an employment application to your local fire department or other agency that oversees fire safety in your area.
Participate in the physical agility test, written exam, and interview process that is required by most fire departments and agencies.
Receive on-the-job training after being hired as a firefighter or inspector.
Complete any additional training or certifications that may be required by your local jurisdiction or agency.

The firefighting and inspection industry require highly skilled and capable professionals. Effective training, education and experience in the field are essential to becoming a successful firefighter and inspector. Training programs are designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become a firefighter or inspector, such as firefighting tactics, hazardous materials handling, fire prevention, and safety precautions.

Furthermore, experience is essential for firefighters as it can help them develop the ability to make sound decisions quickly in dangerous situations. In addition, inspectors need to understand building codes and regulations, as well as possess excellent communication and problem solving skills. All of these skills and knowledge combined with the dedication and commitment to their job help firefighters and inspectors make a difference in their communities by keeping people safe.

You may want to check Fire Inspector, Fire Captain, and Fire Lieutenant for alternative.

Job Description

Firefighter: Responsible for responding to emergency calls and preventing and extinguishing fires.
Fire Inspector: Responsible for inspecting buildings for fire safety and code compliance, providing education about fire safety, and conducting investigations into the causes of fires.
Fire Investigator: Responsible for investigating fires to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Hazardous Materials Technician: Responsible for responding to hazardous materials incidents, providing emergency medical treatment, and managing hazardous materials clean up and disposal.
Fire Prevention Officer: Responsible for developing fire-prevention plans and conducting educational programs to promote fire safety in the community.
Fire Marshal: Responsible for enforcing fire codes and regulations and responding to complaints of unsafe fire conditions.
Fire Engineer: Responsible for designing, testing, and maintaining fire protection systems in buildings.
Fire Safety Educator: Responsible for providing education and outreach programs to inform the public about fire safety.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of fire prevention and protection regulations and procedures.
Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to emergency situations.
Excellent physical fitness and stamina.
Good communication skills and the ability to interact with the public.
Knowledge of hazardous materials and their effects.
Ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to operate and maintain firefighting equipment.
Good problem-solving skills.
Ability to perform basic administrative tasks such as data entry and record keeping.
Knowledge of first aid and CPR techniques.
Knowledge of construction codes and standards related to fire safety.
Ability to conduct inspections of buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.

A successful Firefighter/Inspector must possess a variety of important skills in order to be effective at their job. Communication skills are essential for Firefighter/Inspectors, as they must be able to clearly and concisely explain safety guidelines and protocol to both coworkers and members of the public. Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills are also necessary, as firefighters must be able to quickly assess a situation and come up with a solution while staying calm under pressure.

physical fitness is important, as firefighters must be able to respond quickly and efficiently in challenging or hazardous situations. Finally, Firefighter/Inspectors must also possess strong organizational skills to ensure that fire codes and safety regulations are followed correctly and consistently. All of these skills are essential for a Firefighter/Inspector to have in order to be successful in their position.

Fire Investigator, Fire Management Officer, and Firefighter are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in fire prevention and suppression?
Are you comfortable working in high-pressure situations?
How do you handle stress?
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision in a fire situation.
What safety protocols do you follow when on the job?
Have you ever undergone any professional fire safety training?
What strategies do you use when inspecting buildings for fire safety standards?
How do you ensure that buildings are up to code with regard to fire safety?
What experience do you have in conducting fire drills?
What are your thoughts on the latest fire safety regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Fire Extinguisher. Used to put out fires, (eg: ABC brand fire extinguisher).
Fire Hose. Used to deliver water to fight fires, (eg: 100-foot fire hose).
Flashlight. Used to see in dark areas and inspect equipment, (eg: LED flashlight).
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Used to protect firefighters from hazardous materials, (eg: turnout gear).
Gas Detector. Used to detect and monitor hazardous gases, (eg: carbon monoxide detector).
Thermal Imaging Camera. Used to detect heat sources and locate victims, (eg: FLIR thermal imaging camera).
Smoke Detector. Used to detect smoke and alert occupants of a fire, (eg: Photoelectric Smoke Detector).
Fire Axe. Used to gain access to buildings or remove obstructions, (eg: Halligan Fire Axe).
Ladder. Used to access higher areas or roofs of buildings, (eg: 24-foot Aluminum Extension Ladder).
Inspection Mirror. Used to inspect hard-to-reach places, (eg: Telescoping Inspection Mirror).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Fire Marshals Association (IFMA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI)
National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM)
National Fire Academy Alumni Association (NFAAA)
Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA)
Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE)
International Code Council (ICC)

We also have Fire Chief, Airport Firefighter, and Firefighter/Driver Operator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Fire Prevention. The practice of reducing the risk of fires in a home or building by inspecting for potential fire hazards and educating on fire safety.
Fire Extinguisher. A device used to extinguish fires by releasing an extinguishing agent, such as water or foam.
Fire Code. A set of laws, regulations, and guidelines that outline the requirements for fire safety in a building or structure.
Fire Investigation. The process of determining the cause of a fire.
Fire Safety Plan. A document that outlines procedures and techniques for preventing and responding to fires in a building or structure.
Fire Drill. A practice exercise designed to prepare people for responding to a fire in a building or structure.
Fire Suppression System. A system designed to detect and suppress fires in a building or structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Firefighter/Inspector?

Generally, you must possess a high school diploma and have obtained certification in fire safety and emergency response. You may also need to complete specialized training and pass a physical exam.

How much does a Firefighter/Inspector earn?

Firefighters/Inspectors can typically earn an average of $45,000 - $50,000 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience and location.

What type of work does a Firefighter/Inspector do?

Firefighters/Inspectors are responsible for responding to emergency situations, such as fires and other hazardous conditions, and providing safety inspections for buildings and other structures. They also provide medical assistance and help to evacuate people from dangerous areas.

What hours does a Firefighter/Inspector typically work?

Firefighters/Inspectors typically work 24-hour shifts, with shifts alternating between days and nights. In some cases, they may work overtime or on-call shifts.

What are the physical requirements of being a Firefighter/Inspector?

Firefighters/Inspectors must be in good physical condition and have the strength and endurance to carry heavy equipment over long distances. They must also be able to climb ladders, lift heavy objects, and perform other strenuous tasks.