Firefighters – NOC : 4312

Unit Group

4312 Firefighters

Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities, and assist in other emergencies. They are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services.

Example Titles

airport firefighter

fire captain

firefighter

firefighter, shipboard

industrial firefighter

lieutenant, firefighters

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Main duties

Firefighters perform some or all of the following duties:

Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies
Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites
Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals
Administer first aid and other assistance
Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
Prepare written reports on fire incidents
Inform and educate the public on fire prevention
Train to maintain high level of physical fitness
Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters
May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons
May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other firefighters
May conduct building inspections to ensure compliance with fire code.

Employment requirements

Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of a college program in fire protection technology, fire science or a related field may be required.
Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services.
An apprenticeship training program for firefighters and voluntary trade certification is available in New Brunswick.
Experience as a volunteer firefighter may be an advantage.
Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met.
Several years of experience are required for senior firefighters, such as lieutenants and captains.

Additional information

Progression to senior positions such as fire chief is possible with additional training and several years of experience.

Classified elsewhere

Fire chiefs and senior firefighting officers (0432)
Forest firefighters (in 8422 Silviculture and forestry workers )
Paramedics (in 3234 Paramedical occupations )