Interns are usually paid an hourly rate. Most fire departments provide housing in a fire station for the intern. The intern is usually permitted to ride with companies and participate in suppression or EMS activities with the company officer's approval. Riding out allows the intern to gain additional experience and familiarizes him or her with departmental operations. In addition to participating in emergency activities, the intern is responsible for participating in training, station chores, and community activities as needed.
Interns are often able to work as a volunteer firefighter in combination departments.
When selecting a station, consider the personalities of the staff working there. Some firefighters may feel threatened by the student's presence and view it as an attempt to replace trained firefighters with less experienced individuals. The fire chief should address this issue with all shifts and stress that the intern is available to assist them. Location may play an important role in selecting a fire station. A station close to administration ensures that the intern does not have to travel far to get to work.