Firefighters combat and put out fires, in addition to protecting people's lives and property against fire. They also maintain equipment, answer other emergency calls and sometimes provide para-medical aid. Firefighting is both physically demanding and a dangerous profession.

WHAT YOU NEED:

In general, to become a firefighter, you must have 20/20 vision, posess a driver's licence, be physically fit, and meet height and weight requirements. You must have completed grade 12 with a background in physics, mathematics and chemistry. A knowledge of first aid or mechanics is also an asset. Most firefighters get on-the-job training which varies according to the municipality, as do the entrance requirements. However, preference is given to applicants who have graduated from community college courses in fire prevention and safety. Some people entering the field have graduated from university in forestry or physical education, or from community college in protection/correction or orrestry technologies. Formal training of recruits usually lasts from one to 12 weeks and is followed by a probation period of six to 18 months.

SALARY:
$44,000 to $46,000