Firefighter
On this page
- What's it like to be a Firefighter?
- How to become a Firefighter
- Top skills and experience for Firefighters
- Firefighter role reviews
What's it like to be a Firefighter?
A Firefighter (Kaitinei Ahi) helps keep the public safe by attending callouts to put out fires, dealing with chemical spills and hazardous goods, and conducting educational programmes (such as in schools) on fire prevention and safety. They also attend accidents and emergencies, such as car accidents, where fire may be present and specialist machinery may be required to free trapped people. Firefighters are typically rostered four days on and four days off and may be on call, so are required to sometimes work weekends, evenings and holiday periods. In urban areas of New Zealand, Firefighters are paid professionals; however, many rural areas rely on Volunteer Firefighters, who are not paid.
Tasks and duties
- Attending the scene of fires and other emergencies including motor, industrial and marine accidents.
- Rescuing and evacuating people in life-threatening situations.
- Operating pumps and other firefighting equipment to extinguish fires and neutralise dangerous substances.
- Cutting openings in buildings and crashed vehicles to free occupants.
- Administering first aid.
- Attending and participating in training activities, rescue classes, drills, demonstrations and courses in emergency and firefighting techniques.
- Ensuring all tools and equipment are in good working order through regular maintenance.
- Educating the community in matters of fire safety.
How to become a Firefighter
While there are no formal qualifications to become a Firefighter, candidates need to be physically fit and strong, and pass medical and police background checks.
Improve your chances of securing a professional Firefighting position by working as a Volunteer Firefighter, or by getting experience in community civil defence or with St. John Ambulance.
Consider undergoing first aid training, as first aid is an important part of a Firefighter’s job.
Apply to work as a Firefighter with Fire and Emergency New Zealand or the New Zealand Air Force, who open intake rounds twice a year.
