Firefighters carry out firefighting and fire prevention activities, and assist in other emergencies.

• Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance, such as automobile and industrial accidents, bomb threats and other emergencies
  
• Rescue victims from burning buildings and accident sites
  
• Control and extinguish fires using manual and power equipment, such as axes, water hoses, aerial ladders and hydraulic equipment and various firefighting chemicals
  
• Administer first aid and other assistance
  
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of firefighting equipment
  
• Prepare written reports on fire incidents
  
• Inform and educate the public on fire prevention
  
• Train to maintain high level of physical fitness
  
• Assist the public, the police and emergency organizations during times of major disasters
  
• May participate as members of a trauma or emergency response team and provide paramedical aid to accident victims or ill persons
  
• May supervise and co-ordinate the work of other firefighters
  
• May conduct building inspections to ensure compliance with fire code.
  

Airport firefighter
Fire captain
Firefighter
Firefighter lieutenant
Industrial firefighter
Shipboard firefighter

Firefighters are employed by municipal, provincial and federal governments and by large industrial establishments that have internal firefighting services.