1. By Xavier Ponce

2.  Every year, fires take many lives and destroy billions of dollars worth of property. Firefighters help protect people and property. They are often the first at an accident or emergency.  Firefighters also save people who are trapped in burning buildings  Firefighters live at fire stations much of the time. Most fire stations have living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. When the alarm sounds, firefighters must respond rapidly.

3.  Usually, firefighters take a written test and tests of strength, coordination, and agility. Firefighters have to be healthy.  Classes in fire science at a community college may help people get a job. Now, more firefighters go to college.  New firefighters often train at a special school. They learn to prevent fires. They study how to put out fires. They learn how to use axes, chain saws, fire extinguishers, ladders, and other tools. They study local building codes and emergency medical procedures, such as first aid. After completing this training, they are assigned to a fire station.

4.  In 2006, the middle half of all firefighters earned between $29,550 and $54,120 annually. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $20,660. The highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $66,140.  Firefighting supervisors and managers and fire inspectors earned more.

5.  Paid firefighters held about 293,000 jobs in 2006. This number does not include volunteer firefighters. In some areas, there are more volunteer firefighters than paid ones.  There were about 52,000 supervisors and managers of firefighters. Fire inspectors numbered about 14,000

6.  The number of firefighters is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Most job growth will come from volunteer positions becoming paid jobs. A larger population will also need more firefighting and medical help.  But there will be strong competition for jobs. Many people want to become firefighters because it is challenging and it gives them a chance to help others.

7.  Emergency medical technicians and paramedics  Police officer