Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding occupations in the United States, and also one of the most hazardous. Beyond the…
The United States fire service depends heavily on volunteer firefighters, yet their numbers have declined significantly over the past four decades. This…
One of the things that surprises people when they learn about the business side of the fire service is the cost of…
There’s a statistic that stops most people cold when they first hear it: more firefighters die by suicide each year than in…
More than 70% of fire departments in the United States are staffed entirely or primarily by volunteers. That’s not a small slice…
If you’ve ever called 911 for a medical emergency and a fire truck showed up instead of, or alongside, an ambulance, you’re…
We’ve been training on structural firefighting fundamentals for decades. And those fundamentals still matter. But lithium ion battery fires don’t play by…
When I started in the fire service, nobody talked about PFAS. We used the foam, we wore the gear, and we didn’t…
I’m going to be straight with you: the fire service is running short on firefighters, and it’s not a rumor or a…
Every year, the U.S. fire service responds to millions of emergencies, employs hundreds of thousands of career and volunteer firefighters, and covers…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Texas, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Wyoming, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Wisconsin, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in West Virginia, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Washington, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Virginia, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Vermont, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Utah, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Tennessee, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in South Dakota, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Rhode Island, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in New Mexico, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in New Jersey, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in New Hampshire, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Nevada, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Nebraska, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Montana, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Missouri, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Mississippi, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Minnesota, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Michigan, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Massachusetts, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Maine, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Louisiana, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Kentucky, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Kansas, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Idaho, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Florida, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in the District of Columbia, one of the first questions you probably have is about…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Delaware, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Connecticut, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
If you’re considering a career in firefighting in Arizona, one of the first questions you probably have is about pay. How much…
I’ve compiled a list of 51 firefighter interview questions (with answers). If you’re in the middle of prepping for your interview, you’ve…
When firefighters arrive on the scene to put out a burning blaze, they always use pressurized water. To you, it seems cut…
You learned through our last article that fire can melt most types of metal if the flame is hot enough. Now you’re…
You’ve seen molten metal before, and it’s a very cool sight. You can’t help but be curious about what can cause a…
The shrill beeping of your smoke detector scared you the first time it went off. Since then, its frequent blaring has started…
Fire is an unusual substance in that it is difficult to explain exactly what it is. Fire does also appear to be…
Firefighting is a difficult, dangerous job, but for the brave men and women who battle on the frontlines of fire, it’s the…
Most aspiring firefighters want to know what being a firefighter is like, with questions such as: How do firefighter shifts work? How…
Fire comes in a surprising range of colors, from dim red to brilliant blue-violet. The color of a flame is directly tied…
If you ever light a wood-burning stove, an indoor fireplace, or an outdoor fire pit, then you’ve personally experienced a wood fire.…
According to IT and engineering job resource Apollo Technical, in 2020, 32 percent of those ages 25 to 44 years old have…
When a fire starts in a kitchen, the natural reaction is to grab the more suitable thing close to hand to put…
It my not clear to the average civilian, but not all fire trucks are the same. There are 7 different types of…
If you’re a firefighter, or training to become one, then you’re going to hear about Kelly Days eventually. Maybe you don’t want…
Fire safety is not only something you have to think about when at home but when at the workplace as well. It’s…
You don’t have to experience a wildfire in your area to want to safeguard your home from danger. Some homeowners may believe…
As an aspiring firefighter, you’ll learn a lot of terms to prepare you for your career. Fire overhaul is one term you’ll…
As we’ve made no secret of on this blog, firefighting has a lot of terms. If you’re hired to a fire department…
If you picture a police officer in your mind, you can’t do so without envisioning that shiny badge. However, the connection between…
You sometimes hear of occupations referred to as trades. These jobs seem like a cut above the rest, which has you wondering,…
When you think of government jobs, the first titles that might come to mind are correctional officers, data entry clerks, or tax…
In late 2020, COVID-19 vaccinations began rolling out, becoming widely available in 2021. Today, anyone can walk in and get a COVID-19…
Most people don’t like to think about how they’d handle their home or building igniting because it’s a such a terrifying proposition,…
When a fire breaks out in your home or office, all logic can very quickly go out the window, and rightfully so.…
In almost every industry, it’s only natural for slang words to originate that are like their own language among employees or colleagues.…
Nearly every occupation has its fans and supporters, but some have fans that take it to a whole new level. No, we’re…
Welding is a dangerous task, whether you do so in a professional industrial setting or as a more low-key part of your…
Plenty of people ask this common question: “Can I use a fire hydrant to fill my pool?” After all, waiting around for…
There are a lot of fancy fire hydrant designs on social media these days. So, it may be tempting to grab a…
Are you familiar with arson dogs? They serve quite a critical role in any fire department that they’re a part of. What…
Where I work, there are fire hydrants on every street. In fact, they’re so common most people don’t even notice them. However,…
We have all seen scenes from favorite movies and shows with children playing in water spraying from the neighborhood fire hydrant. If…
One of the most hassling occurrences in life is locking your keys in the car. Yet, everyone has done it at least…
A fire’s fuel source depends on several factors. For example, most house fires start in rooms people visit most frequently in the…
You may have heard that you’re supposed to close your bedroom doors at night, but do you know why? Sure, it’s the…
Polyester is a very popular material in widespread use. Ever since its invention, designers have appreciated the fabric for its strength, potential…
Bricks are one of the most traditional materials available in construction, although many companies prefer to go for concrete and modern options…
If you are relatively unfamiliar with the fire service, you may not be aware of the role of the fire marshal. We…
Fire pits sure are fun, especially as summer gives way to autumn and you want to combat that nightly chill. When the…
There are approximately 358,000 structure fires in homes every single year. Many of these fires lead to deaths, with 3,000 Americans perishing…
On the blog, we’ve talked about firefighting acronyms before such as BLEVE . Well, today, we want to discuss another one that’s…
When it comes to career choices, firefighting was always high up there on the list, but there were other career paths you…
Fire extinguishers are a feature in many homes, yet lately, you’ve wondered if that necessarily makes the extinguisher safe to use. Is…
Recent data suggests the United States has approximately 8.9 million fire hydrants. The number could be even higher into the 2020s. You’ve…
Calling 911 is scary in an emergency. You dial the number and hope that police, fire, or EMS will find you. If…
For the parts of your home that your HVAC unit cannot reach, a propane heater or two does the trick. You usually…
There are all sorts of fascinating myths surrounding the fire service. It’s hard to tell where some of them originated, but they…
As a firefighter, you think a lot about how fire spreads, but probably not so much about what it weighs. Indeed, fire…
If we told you to close your eyes and picture the color fire engine red, you could do so with ease, right?…
When preparing a fire engine for transportation out to the source of a fire, lots of equipment must be packed in there,…
According to a news article from Inc., the ideal amount of vacation time is approximately eight days. Most people can just go…
You’re one of those people who always likes to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Even if it never comes to fruition,…
Firefighters must be privy to a variety of acronyms, such as BNICE (Biological, Nuclear, Incendiary, Chemical, and Explosive), CFOD, (Commission of Chief…
If you’re like a lot of people, you slap some electrical tape on wiring problem areas around your house. You intend to…
Brrr. Can you feel that chill in the air? The temperatures are very cold right now. The weather might not be fit…
Smoke detectors are life-saving devices, and every home should have one. However, according to a National Fire Protection Association or NFPA report,…
Have you ever had a smoke detector go off at home but you couldn’t put your finger on why it happened? It…
You couldn’t imagine a holiday season that wasn’t bedazzled in glimmering, shiny, cheerful Christmas lights. You decorate both the inside and outside…
Many parts of a firefighter’s uniform are immortalized, including the helmet, the reflective stripes, and the suspenders. Are suspenders something that real…
It doesn’t matter whether it’s morning, noon, or night. When you call your local fire department, someone is always there to answer…
Have you ever driven yourself or a loved one to a hospital because you’re afraid of incurring fees for the ambulance? Well,…
According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International or ESFI, every year, electrical fires lead to $1.3 billion worth of property damage, 1,400+…
If you’re like me, you watch a lot of Netflix (or Hulu or HBO, you know what I mean). In so many…
The word hero comes with mythic connotations. Maybe you think of comic figures such as Spider-Man, Batman, or Superman. Perhaps you envision…
You hear the term first responder all the time and might assume it refers to ambulatory services. You’re interested to know whether…
Do you smell that? An odd odor around the house can make you nervous, especially if the smell just won’t go away.…
You likely rely on propane heaters for heating up boilers, cookers, or even fireplaces. In the winter when the weather outside is…
Now and then, the internet allows for some really interesting scientific debates on forums rather than the usual bickering. But, you can…
What is the best way to eradicate germs and reduce the risk of infections? The answer can all depend on the situation…
If your home is like many in the United States, then it has a fire extinguisher. Maybe the extinguisher was already there…
You may have seen Co2 written on fire extinguishers around public buildings or workplaces, so know that this gas is important in…
Mold is one of those problems we like to pretend doesn’t exist. It is never a good sign and usually indicates moisture…
Mosquitoes are some of the worst uninvited guests at any outdoor event. The last thing you need when inviting family and friends…
Firefighters require the very best in clothing and equipment to allow them to enter fires and dangerous situations. The problem is that…
Whenever we hear warnings about fires in the home, dryer fires are high on the list of concerns. There are fears that…
The world of battery-operated devices has become complex and unavoidable in recent years. We have lithium-ion batteries in phones and laptops, large-scale…
Firefighters frequently work shifts that last up to 24 hours, and their workweeks are longer than the average desk worker’s. With so…
You’re a swimming pool owner, and each time you open the pool for another summery season, you both love and loathe the…
There are lots of great experiments that we teach our children about static electricity – whether they get to use a Van…
If a fire breaks out in a kitchen, our instinct is to find a way to smother the flames and get it…
Dust is one of those common nuisances when it comes to keeping the home nice and clean. It seems that it isn’t…
Vaping is a trend that has changed the lives of a lot of smokers who now have a better substitute for nicotine…
To extinguish fires, firefighters will often have to lay a supply line. This allows for a more consistent supply of water. A…
Great firefighters separate themselves from the rest. They’re always ready to act in the line of duty, and they seem to possess…
Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is one of those wonderful substances that no home should be without. It is great for…
Generators are more common than ever before as families look for helpful solutions for off-grid or backup power. A good generator can…
Gas is one of the most flammable materials, so understanding what causes it to burn is wise for your safety and that…
Fireworks are one of the great joys in life as we watch beautiful aerial displays. However, fireworks can also be dangerous in…
Sometimes even firefighters need assistance, but who’s willing to go in and help them? The ones that do comprise RIT or RIC…
Long hours of jobs and exposure to physical hazards can take a toll on your feet. And with a twisted ankle, you…
You were sleeping soundly in your home when suddenly you hear it: a chirping sound. You write it off at first, then…
All fire departments are subjected to a rating from the Insurance Services Office or ISO. This rating is appropriately called your ISO…
Do you remember taking a class field trip to Safety Town as a kid? Many of us did, and for the ones…
To a bystander, fire is fire, but a fire actually progresses across four stages. Even though civilians shouldn’t attempt to combat fires…
When a fire breaks out in your home, you have two choices. You can escape (which is usually the smarter option), or–for…
Gas leaks are incredibly scary yet all too common. According to a 2018 report from the National Fire Protection Association or NFPA…
We’ve talked on this blog about the weight of fire trucks, and these vehicles are gargantuan, especially when filled with water. Is…
We live in a crazy world these days where nothing is outside of the realm of possibility. Thus, it doesn’t hurt to…
The average firefighter’s work schedule is anything but a nine-to-five. For some people, that can be exciting, and for others, it’s exhausting.…
Anytime you see a fire truck blitzing down the street, you’re in awe of the astonishing size of the vehicle. With an…
Power generators might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you talk firefighting equipment, but they are an essential…
The car seat you purchased had seemed so straightforward when you read the instructions, yet you’re struggling to get the seat securely…
If you’ve ever seen firefighters at work (although hopefully not on your own property), then you’ve noticed how skilled they are at…
Keeping your family safe during an emergency is a top priority from every parent, and the best way to keep your kids…
There are few events more tragic than a house fire, especially if it involves the loss of a pet or person. In…
Working as a firefighter is a noble profession, as you’re saving lives and doing important work every day that you’re on the…
When taking a stroll through your neighborhood, you’re bound to see one sooner or later. We’re talking, of course, about fire hydrants.…
A fire has just started in your home. You quickly evacuate and call the fire department. They arrive in short order and…
Our pets mean everything to us, with many people regarding pets as part of the family. That’s why it’s so heartbreaking to…
Fire engine, fire truck. The terms may seem interchangeable to you, but did you know that depending on which you say, you’re…
A flashlight is a tool that many of us might take for granted. However, firefighters know that a flashlight is far more…
Does your firefighting schedule have you working one day on and then off for two or three days? If so, then you…
I strongly believe that you should never underestimate the importance of education and training in the fire service, which is why I…
We all know that firefighters have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, but what are the common causes of…
As a firefighter, I have the privilege of serving my community and being someone that residents can depend upon. But, a firefighter’s…
When was the last time you traveled somewhere new? Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis sit, euismod…
Fitness is essential for firefighters. This leads a lot of aspiring firefighters to ask what the best workouts for firefighters are. Truthfully,…
Dalmatians and the fire service have always been associated with one another, and this beloved spotted dog has become a popular mascot…
If you’ve ever seen a firefighters badge you may have noticed what looks like bugles, but what is the history and meaning…
Many aspiring firefighters ask whether or not they can be a firefighter with diabetes, as there are millions of Americans living with…
Millions of Americans deal with depression in some form or another, but can you be a firefighter with depression? It’s a good…
I received an email the other day from a candidate asking if he can be a firefighter and be deaf or hard…
Last week I received an email from an aspiring firefighter asking me, “ can I be a firefighter with glasses? “ When…
Asthma is a growing problem in the modern world, but can you be a firefighter with asthma? Declines in air quality and…
How long is probation and what can I expect as a probationary firefighter, is a question I hear a lot The application…
Firefighting is a dream career for many people, but many are left wondering how much does it cost to become a firefighter?…
Part of becoming a firefighter is have a medical exam. But, if you’ve ever wondered what to expect during a firefighter medical…
If you’ve ever been to a parade undoubtedly, you’ve seen firefighters in their truck. But, have you ever wondered if you need…
Do I need a degree to become a firefighter , is a question I get a lot. The role of a firefighter…
If you’ve ever wondered how to become a firefighter in New York, you’re not alone. The fire department of New York City…
Arizona is home to one of the most storied fire departments in the country. How to become a firefighter in Arizona is…
Iowa lies in the heart of the Midwest and is full of great firefighters and departments; leading many to ask how to…
North Carolina is a state that knows how to attract individuals who are interested in how to become a firefighter in North…
You may not expect Mississippi to have big need for firefighters, but there are plenty of aspiring firefighters asking how to become…
The state of Tennessee is one that has attracted people for a long time, including those interested in how to become a…
South Carolina has always had a great reputation for its hospitality and sense of community. That means how to become a firefighter…
Connecticut may only be a small state in size, but how to become a firefighter in Connecticut is a question I’ve received…
Missouri is a state that has an increasing need for skilled firefighters which leaves many asking how to become a firefighter in…
One of the states with the most challenging environments for firefighting is Alaska. This leaves many wondering how to become a firefighter…
There are never ending benefits to becoming a firefighter, but in this article I want to highlight seven benefits to becoming a…
Everyone knows that becoming a firefighter can be a long process, but knowing what disqualifies you from being a firefighter is just…
Oklahoma has a lot of history and a lot of heritage among its many communities which leads many to ask how to…
How to become a firefighter in New Mexico is a question I’m regularly asked by aspiring firefighters in the southwest. The state…
One question that a lot of people ask is can a firefighter arrest someone, or not? So, whether you are an aspiring…
The state of Louisiana poses several natural threats to its citizens. How to become a firefighter in Louisiana is a question posed…
Whether you use the term bunker gear, PPE or turnout gear a lot of aspiring firefighters are left wondering what is firefighter…
What is a firefighter engineer? It’s a question posed by a lot of new firefighters. This makes sense as it’s not something…
If you are an aspiring firefighter, one of the best ways to get hands-on expertise is to volunteer for a reserve firefighter.…
While Delaware is a very small state by American standards, I have been asked a few times how to become a firefighter…
Given Hawaii’s natural beauty a lot of aspiring firefighters ask how to become a firefighter in Hawaii. The fire department of Hawaii…
The state of Oregon has many great fire departments, in fact, my brother in law works for Salem Fire Department! How to…
Chances are at one point in your life you have experimented with drugs in some form. Naturally, the question of do firefighters…
I get a surprising number of questions from individuals asking how to become a firefighter in Montana. While it may not be…
I was recently speaking to a young man from New Hampshire who asked, how to become a firefighter in New Hampshire. Many…
![12 Things Firefighters Do [Every Day] When Not Fighting Fires](/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/what-do-firefighters-do-all-day.jpg)
If you were to ask most people what does a firefighter do all day, they would probably say that they spend all…
What is the difference between Firefighter 1 and 2? It’s a common question from those that are interested in becoming a firefighter.…
I was recently speaking with a firefighter candidate and he asked me, can I become a firefighter with DUI? Unfortunately, DUI convictions…
Everyone makes mistakes when they start a new job, but rookie firefighter mistakes can especially dangerous to your career and possibly even…
Facial hair is a popular trend these days, which is prompting the question from many candidates on whether or not they can…
Whether or not firefighters can have tattoos is a common question asked by many firefighter candidates. I would know because I have…
We all know that firefighting is a dangerous profession, but can firefighting cause cancer? It’s a good question and one I’ve heard…
From getting crushed by falling objects, climbing through rough terrain, and falling on slippery hazards, all the way to enduring extremely hot…
The Maltese Cross Firefighters If you take a look at almost any fire apparatus today, you’re likely to see the Maltese cross.…
How To Prepare For The Civil Service Exam At some point in your career you’ll probably be required to prepare for the…
Who Wrote The Fireman’s Prayer? The Fireman’s Prayer, a widely known poem amongst all firefighters today, dates its origins back to the…
As most fire departments are trying to recruit and maintain the best candidates for their department, they have adopted the firefighter polygraph…
Depending on the department the firefighter background investigation can be rather strict. Although the process can be difficult, it is not impossible.…
Can I become a firefighter? It’s a good questions that almost every fire candidate has asked themself at one time or another.…
Meet The HazMat Guys Being a firefighter comes with a lot of perks like branching into other specialties. HazMat just happens to…
I recently had the privilege to speak with retired Captain Michael Morse of the Providence Fire Department in Providence, Rhode Island. Cpt.…
Unless you are from New Jersey, many of you may not know of retired Long Branch Fire Department Lieutenant, Armand Guzzi. Lieutenant…
Being a female firefighter can be tough, but I can’t think of a more accomplished firefighter than Gea Leigh Haff. For those…
As a new or aspiring firefighter one of the best (and smartest) things you can do for yourself is learn from those…
If you’re an aspiring firefighter, the fastest and easiest way to get where you want to be, is to follow in the…
Going through the process of joining the fire service can be long, stressful and a roller coaster of emotions. There are several…