I know guys who can bench press 300 pounds but can't do 50 push-ups. They wear out quickly in a fire. Workouts designed to build muscle endurance incorporate moderate weights and high rep counts. Firefighters train several angles of the same muscle in 4 or 5 sets of 15 to 20 reps. Each set is performed with little rest in between, which keeps oxygen-rich blood flowing through the muscle and builds stamina.
Most firefighters vary their workouts to keep their muscles responding.
Then I switch to 'burn-out' sets, where I load the bar with several small weights, do as many reps as I can, then drop 10 pounds and go for it again until I can't lift the bar. Kills my arms. I can go. Building strength is the main goal for female firefighters, who are at a natural disadvantage. Working out three or four times per week, most perform a powerlifting routine, using heavier weights and performing fewer reps.