Thus, its not really possible to be too old to become a firefighter because thats not how the system is set up well look at why there are age requirements for fighters in just a short while. We have listed below the most common questions we get asked on a regular basis and hope these answer most of yours. Of the total number of firefighters 364,300 (35%) were career firefighters and 676,900 (65%) were volunteer firefighters. The average Fire Fighter is 49 years old. There were 1,318,500 fires in 2018. Volunteer firefighters account for the largest share of firefighters nationwide, especially in communities of fewer than 25,000, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Some states offer tax deductions and tax credits for contributing to a 529 plan. You may also be allowed to become a volunteer firefighter. To have a secure pension and retirement. and that the data you submit is exempt from Do Not Sell My Personal Information requests. The more pertinent question though is this. Prospective firefighters must pass written and physical tests, complete interviews, and train at a fire academy. and that the data you submit is exempt from Do Not Sell My Personal Information requests. For information about a career as a firefighter, contact your local fire department or visit, International Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services, For information about a career as a wildland firefighter, visit, For information about professional qualifications and a list of colleges and universities offering 2- or 4-year degree programs in fire science and fire prevention, visit, National Fire Academy, U.S. Fire Administration, For more information about emergency medical technicians and paramedics, visit, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. 12 firefighter facts everyone should know - FireRescue1 The average age of male Firefighters in the workforce is 38.5 and of female Firefighters is 36.7, and the most common race/ethnicity for Firefighters is White (Non-Hispanic). It might surprise you to learn that the number one killer of firefighters is not fires or even smoke. Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. It is possible to get other jobs in the fire service that dont require these characteristics, as support personnel are very important too. When firefighters are not responding to an emergency, they often participate in other activities related to their work. Maybe you did more than just contemplate, but you decided to go forth and do it. Being a firefighter, as were sure we dont have to tell you, is physically and mentally grueling. They also carry victims who cannot walk. If you worked at a participating AZ fire dept. Nationwide 37% of fire departments provided no emergency medical services, 46% provided basic life support (BLS), and 17% provided advanced life support (ALS). Local Communities Struggle to Recruit Enough Firefighters - GovTech Unlike many high school classes, most instructors don't follow the textbook. Firefighters typically need a high school diploma and training in emergency medical services. If so, then youre in luck. How to Become a Firefighter: The Complete Guide, Career Change to Firefighter: What You Need to Know. This is what you need to know. Most paid firefighters work full time. 5.8% of Fire Fighters are Black or African American, Most a are White, with 76.8% of Fire Fighters belonging to this ethnicity.