These responsibilities include emergency medical treatment, assisting in the recovery from natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes, and the control, prevention and cleanup of oil spills and other hazardous materials incidents. Firefighters are primarily involved with protecting business and residential structures, but they also work at airports on crash and rescue crews, at chemical plants, by waterfronts, and in forests and wilderness areas. In forests, air patrols locate fires and report their findings to headquarters by telephone or radio. Fire rangers patrol areas of the forest to locate and report fires and hazardous conditions and to ensure travelers and campers comply with fire regulations. When fires break out, firefighters use hand tools and water hoses to battle the blaze.
Some specialized firefighters parachute from airplanes when necessary to reach inaccessible areas.
Most fire departments have a fire prevention division, usually headed by a fire marshal. Fire inspectors conduct inspections of structures to prevent fires and ensure fire code compliance. These firefighters may also work with developers and planners to check and approve plans for new buildings. Fire prevention personnel often speak on these subjects before public assemblies and civic organizations. Some firefighters become fire investigators, who determine the origin and causes of fires.