Firefighter Facts & Worksheets

Firefighters are professionals who are paid or are volunteers to extinguish fire.

See the fact file below for more information on Firefighter or alternatively, you can download our 25-page Firefighter worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY OF FIREFIGHTING

• Attempts of firefighting were evident as early as 2nd century.
• An Egyptian named Ctesibus invented a basic hand pump that could splash a jet of water. However, this idea was lost until the fire pump was reinvented about 1,500 CE. 
• On July 19, 64 CE, Rome was devastated by a major fire so Emperor Caesar Augustus made a decision to establish the first fire brigade in history. 
• It was known as Vigiles which consists of approximately 7,000 paid firefighters. 
• The Corp of Vigiles was made up of ex-slaves who had been trained in firefighting and who also served as night watchmen in the city.
• The duties of the Vigiles were divided into four. Uncinarius, the hook-man who carried a large hook for removing burning roofs; Siphonarius, the one in charge of supervising and operating water pumps; Aquarius, his main duties were to supply water to pumps and organize bucket chains; and the Emperor the fire chief.
• To put out fire, the buckets of water were passed from man to man. These firefighters also had axes and long hooks for tearing down buildings and creating fire breaks.
• In the 5th century Europe, there was no organized firefighting for centuries. They were still using buckets of water and handheld pumps. This affected the Medieval towns because houses that time were often made from wood and roofs were often thatched which were prone to fire. 
• Eventually, Jan Van der Heiden invented a flexible leather hose with brass fittings in 1672. He was recognized as the first to develop hand-pumped fire engines for use with hoses.
• In 1721, Richard Newsham created an improved fire engine. Early fire engines could be drawn to fire scenes by horses, making firefighting much more effective.
• Fire insurance companies hired their own firemen in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. 
• Customers’ homes had metal fire marks inscribed with the name of their insurance company. 
• Those with fire marks indicated that the building or property was a customer of a company, hence, absence of it meant firemen would not help if there was no mark.
• In 1736, Benjamin Franklin established the Union Fire Company in Philadelphia, the first volunteer fire company in America.
• In 1810, the first “professional” firefighters, known as Sapeurs-Pompiers, were created by Napoleon Bonaparte from the French Army.
• The Edinburgh Fire Engine Establishment, led by James Braidwood, established organized fire fighting in the United Kingdom in 1824. The London Fire Engine Establishment followed eight years later.

QUALITIES OF A FIREFIGHTER

• Firefighters in ancient times until today developed over time. Certain qualities, some even unwritten, became standard to be able to survive in this profession.
• Firefighters need to show integrity and decency in what they do. 
• Further, physical fitness is required for firefighters. They are expected to climb trees, enter through broken windows, rappel from great heights, etc.
• As a firefighter, one must be well-adept in communicating with others. Moreover, being a firefighter requires dedication and commitment. 

• Firefighters should have great mental fortitude because they will face difficult situations.
• They should be a team player as well. Firefighters work in groups, especially during an emergency. Team leaders lead the team and in turn, the team should have faith in its members’ abilities to complete the tasks assigned.
• In order to become a great firefighter, you must have the courage and initiative to extend help in times of danger.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS OF A FIREFIGHTER

• The first requirement for becoming a firefighter is reaching the legal age to apply and train. In most countries, this is 18 years of age.
• In terms of education, a high school diploma is the most basic.
• However, degrees in fire science and becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) is an advantage.
• Others opt to join volunteer fire departments to get a headstart and be able to understand the theoretical and practical skills required to become a professional firefighter.
• Upon application, all aspirants undergo physical, mental, and emotional stability tests in order to withstand the stresses of the job. Once hired, firefighters still undergo further training to keep them informed of the trends of their profession.
• Although criminal records must be disclosed during the application, it is not the ultimate bar to becoming a firefighter.

NOTABLE FIRES FACED BY FIREFIGHTERS

• 1906 San Francisco Great Earthquake & Fire – After the 7.9 magnitude earthquake, a fire broke out in San Francisco, engulfing 4.7 miles square miles in just three days.
• 38 steam fire engines, water wagons, and 538 firemen, and horses worked tirelessly.
• Second Great Fire of London 1940 – Resulting from the air raid of the Blitz during World War II, the primary water source in the City was destroyed which resulted in water shortages.
• Water pressure also dropped due to the overuse of hydrants.
• Low tide on River Thames and wind gusts made it more difficult for the firefighters to douse the fire.
• 2020 Australian Bushfire – Combined human and natural causes of the bushfire left firefighters struggling to work 24/7 for months.
• Understanding the situation, international volunteer firemen arrived to support the Australian firefighters.

Firefighter Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about Firefighter across 25 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching about Firefighters who are professionals who are paid or are volunteers to extinguish fire.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

• Firefighter Facts
• Firefighter Then and Now
• Firefighter Gear
• Becoming a Firefighter
• A Day in the Life of a Firefighter
• Inside a Fire Station
• Fire Response
• Fire Safety Plan
• Documentary Analysis
• A Prayer
• Thank a Firefighter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is firefighting dangerous?

Yes, being a firefighter can be a dangerous job, especially when a building becomes unstable or a wildfire gets out of control. Firefighters are highly trained in safety to keep them out of harm’s way.

What do firefighters do when there are no fires?

When there is no fire emergency, firefighters will clean and maintain their trucks, equipment, and the fire station. They will work out to keep fit and strong, practice fire drills, and will also educate the public about fire safety by giving station tours, visiting schools, or speaking to communities.

Can girls be firefighters?

Yes! Girls can train to be firefighters, just like boys.

Are there different kinds of firemen?

Yes, there are many different roles within a fire station. These include the captain, engineer, hazmat team, inspectors, public information officer, and heavy rescue, to name some.

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