Firefighters respond to fire alarms, teach fire prevention, rescue victims, and provide emergency treatment. They undergo several weeks of training at a department training center or academy in areas like fire prevention, building codes, and emergency procedures. Firefighters spend a lot of time at the fire station and respond to alarms in all conditions. Education requirements range from a 2-year to 4-year degree in fire engineering or science. The pros of being a firefighter include saving lives and teaching prevention, while the cons are risks of smoke inhalation, injury, and exposure to toxic gases. Salaries start at $48,307 for engineers and can reach over $100,000 for fire chiefs.
