If you’re considering a career in private firefighting, this guide outlines the necessary steps to enter the field. From identifying potential employers and meeting basic qualifications to obtaining specialized certifications and gaining practical experience, this article will help you understand the path private firefighters follow to employment.
What is a private firefighter?
A private firefighter is a firefighter employed by a non-governmental organization or private company rather than a municipal, county or state fire department. Private firefighters, like other firefighters, provide fire protection, emergency response, and risk mitigation services but work for specific clients, such as industrial facilities, remote job sites, commercial properties, or residential communities.
Private fire departments are often contracted by:
- Oil and gas companies
- Mining operations
- Chemical plants
- Large commercial developments
- Wildfire-prone homeowner associations
- Insurance companies
Private firefighters may perform structural firefighting, wildfire suppression, EMS, fire prevention, and safety inspections. They often earn and maintain the same certifications as public-sector firefighters, such Firefighter I/II, EMT or paramedic and train to meet industry standards.
Becoming a private firefighter begins with better understanding the role of a private firefighter and the types of companies that hire private firefighters.
| Read: As wildfires rage, private firefighters join the fight
1. Research private firefighting companies
The first step is to identify companies and determine your area of focus. Look for private firefighting firms operating in your area or in regions where you’re willing to work. Common employers include:
- Wildland fire contractors
- Industrial fire protection companies
- Insurance-related private fire protection firms
- Event or standby fire services
Determine if you’re interested in specific types of work, such as wildland firefighting, industrial protection or event safety.
2. Meet basic firefighter qualifications
Private firefighting companies often have stringent hiring criteria. Ensure you meet the following:
- Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required.
- Age requirements: You must usually be at least 18 years old.
- Physical fitness: Pass a fitness test (e.g., the Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting, such as carrying a 45-pound pack for 3 miles in 45 minutes).
3. Obtain relevant certifications
Private firefighting companies value certifications that demonstrate your skills. Commonly required certifications include:
- Firefighter I and II: These certifications, based on NFPA standards, show proficiency in structural firefighting.
- Wildland firefighter training: Courses like S-130 (Firefighter Training) and S-190 (Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior) are essential for wildland firefighting roles.
- EMT certification: Many companies require or prefer EMT-Basic or Paramedic certification.
- Hazardous Materials (HazMat): Operations or Technician-level HazMat training is often required for industrial or high-risk environments.
4. Gain experience
Work to gain related experience through similar opportunities:
- Public fire departments: Experience in municipal firefighting is highly valued, as it provides foundational skills and real-world exposure.
- Wildland firefighting: Join a seasonal wildland fire crew to gain experience if you aim to work in that sector.
- Specialized skills: Experience in rope rescue, confined space operations, or industrial safety is a bonus for specific roles.
5. Search for open positions
Regularly check the careers pages of private firefighting companies like:
- Chloeta
- Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression
- Global Fire Solutions
- Brainerd Helicopters (or other aerial firefighting companies)
You can also use job boards on platforms such as FireRescue1 Jobs, Indeed, LinkedIn or government contracting portals to find open positions. Additionally, look for companies contracted by agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or private insurance firms.
6. Apply for positions
Now you’re ready to apply for a position with these tools on hand:
- Tailored resume: Highlight your firefighting experience, certifications and specialized skills.
- Cover letter: Explain why you want to work for the company and your enthusiasm for private firefighting.
- References: Provide references who can vouch for your skills and reliability.
7. Prepare for interviews
Be ready to discuss your experience, skills, and ability to adapt to the unique demands of private firefighting. Emphasize your commitment to safety, teamwork, and handling high-pressure situations.
8. Complete onboarding and additional training
Once hired, you may need to complete company-specific training, such as:
- Operating their equipment
- Adapting to their protocols
- Learning specific safety standards or client requirements
9. Demonstrate professionalism
In the private sector, you’ll often represent the company to clients, so professionalism, strong communication skills, and reliability are critical. Be adaptable and ready for varied assignments, from wildfire suppression to industrial standby.
Additional tips
- Seasonal hiring: Many wildland firefighting companies hire seasonally, so applying well in advance of fire season increases your chances.
- Networking: Attend firefighting expos, join relevant associations, or connect with private firefighters to learn about opportunities.
- Flexibility: Be open to relocating, as some positions may require work in remote or high-risk areas.
By meeting qualifications, gaining experience, and staying proactive in your job search, you can transition into a career as a private firefighter.
This article, originally published on January 09, 2025, has been updated with a video and additional resources. FireRescue1 is using generative AI to create some content that is edited and fact-checked by our editors.
