Firefighters

When the fire alarm sounds, firefighters drive fire trucks to where a fire is burning. Using hoses, the firefighters spray water or chemical foam onto the flames to put the fire out. Using ladders the firefighters rescue people from fires. They also rescue people who are stranded or trapped in dangerous places. Firefighters can cut openings in buildings and in crashed cars to free people trapped inside. Firefighters help when there is a flood, a cyclone or other natural disasters.

Firefighters know about first aid and can help people hurt by fire and smoke.

Firefighters help to prevent fires by burning off grasses in forests. They visit schools and other places to tell people about fire safety. Firefighters make sure that fire fighting equipment and alarms in your school are working properly. Firefighters train volunteers and teach them:
how to prevent fires,
how to rescue people and
how to use breathing apparatus.

Firefighters use radio and computers to communicate with each other and to get extra help.

Firefighters wear uniforms, breathing apparatus and protective clothing when fighting a fire. They practise driving, using hoses and ladders every day. All equipment is checked each day to keep it clean and in good working order. Firefighters work in groups and there is always a firefighting group on duty.

How to call for help from a fire fighting service.
In Australia dial 000. This is a free emergency call.

firefighters water-bomb a bushfire

Read more about a firefighter's job, and about equipment here
http://www.mfb.org.au/default.asp?casid=44

Find out how fire engines work
http://people.howstuffworks.com/fire-engine.htm

Take a virtual tour of a fire engine (California, USA), includes a printable cut out model of a fire truck
http://www.ci.davis.ca.us/fire/tour/

If you use any part of this, write the source in your bibliography like this:
Firefighters (2005). [Online], Available:www.kidcyber.com.au

Back to People and places

updated January 2007