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Fire service officer (watch manager and below)

Fire service officer (watch manager and below) - overview

As a fire service officer, you’ll be involved in a variety of firefighting activities, saving people from emergency situations. You’ll work with the local community, educating people on fire safety. Keep reading to learn about a career as a fire service officer and to find out how to become one.

Learn what the role involves below.

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What does a fire service officer do?

A role as a fire service officer will see you take on a variety of tasks to help make sure people are educated on fire safety. You’ll likely be based at a particular station or office but will also travel to different sites to conduct your job.

Your main responsibility will be to use your ability to work under extreme pressure in order to protect the public’s safety in dangerous and emergency situations. Your job will be to promote fire safety awareness and make potentially life-threatening situations as safe as possible. Although it can be a dangerous job, it comes with a great deal of satisfaction, as you are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the public.

What will your days involve?

Daily tasks will vary but could involve:

  • Attending fire scenes to control and reduce the fire
  • Rescuing people and animals from dangerous situations
  • Testing fire safety equipment
  • Supervising a watch
  • Advising on fire safety measures
  • Cleaning up sites after fire destruction
  • Developing links with the local community
  • Educating the public
  • Undertaking or organising fire drills

FAQs

How much can you earn as a fire service officer?

The average salary for a fire service officer in the UK is £35,880. Graduates start at around £30,000.

Does a fire service officer role involve travel in the UK or overseas?

Fire service officers are likely to travel within the UK for work. Travel reasons could be to attend training workshops and conferences, as well as visiting fire scenes and other emergency situations.

Can you work from home as a fire service officer?

There aren’t likely to be many work-from-home opportunities, although it may be possible for certain administrative tasks to be done from home.

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