In many cases the firefighters will change duties several times at an emergency scene. Ambulances, fireboats, and emergency rescue vehicles may be operated by some firefighters. Fire stations have dining and sleeping quarters to allow the firefighters to respond to emergencies twenty four hours a day. Between emergency responses the firefighters conduct practice drills, clean and maintain equipment, participate in classroom training, conduct fire inspections, conduct demonstrations to the public, participate in fitness training, check building plans, and inspect fire escapes. Firefighting is hazardous work resulting in environments where floors suddenly cave in, walls topple, and there is exposure to gases, chemicals, and smoke.
Firefighters face dangerous situations where injury and death are a risk.
Individual earnings may vary based upon the job setting and position. Sources of occupational information include the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and Americas Career Information Net.