Fire Marshal vs. Firefighter: What Are the Differences?

Firefighters and fire marshals are both important positions within the fire department. Firefighters combat and extinguish fires, while fire marshals work to prevent fires from occurring. Both positions require training and courage, but there are several key differences between the two. In this article, we discuss the job duties, training and salary of firefighters and fire marshals. We also provide information on the best way to become either one.

What is a Fire Marshal?

A Fire Marshal is a public servant who is responsible for fire code enforcement and fire safety education within a designated jurisdiction. Fire Marshals typically work for city or county governments, although some may work for the state or federal government. They inspect buildings to ensure they are in compliance with fire codes and regulations and investigate the cause of fires. Fire Marshals also develop and implement fire safety education programs for the public and for private businesses. In some jurisdictions, the Fire Marshal may also be responsible for responding to fires and providing firefighting services.

What is a Firefighter?

Firefighters combat and extinguish fires, often working in high-pressure circumstances. They are also responsible for responding to other emergencies, such as medical emergencies, hazardous materials spills and natural disasters. Firefighters typically work in shifts, with long hours, to ensure that there is always someone available to respond to an emergency. They must be in excellent physical condition and be able to lift heavy equipment, climb ladders and stairs, and work in cramped and dangerous spaces. Firefighters also receive extensive training in fire science, emergency medical care and hazardous materials handling.

Fire Marshal vs. Firefighter

Here are the main differences between a fire marshal and a firefighter.

Job Duties

Fire marshals perform a wide range of duties to ensure public safety. They conduct investigations into fires to determine their causes and evaluate the circumstances surrounding them. Fire marshals also assess the security measures in place at various locations, such as businesses and warehouses, to ensure that they’re compliant with local fire codes.

Firefighters typically carry out the instructions of fire marshals during operations. They follow protocols for fighting fires and carrying out rescue missions. Firefighters may also conduct training exercises to improve their skills and respond more quickly to emergency situations.

Job Requirements

Firefighters typically need at least a high school diploma, although some departments may require an associate degree or higher. Many firefighters also complete training programs at their local fire academy. Some of these programs can take up to two years to complete and often include coursework in emergency medical services, fire science and hazardous materials.

To become a fire marshal, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in fire science, public administration or a related field. You might also need to have several years of experience working as a firefighter. Some states also require fire marshals to pass a professional certification exam.

Work Environment

Fire marshals typically work in an office environment, where they can use their computers to research fire safety and building codes. They may also travel to different locations to inspect buildings for code violations or to provide training on fire safety. Fire marshals often work full time during regular business hours, but some may work overtime when responding to emergencies.

Firefighters usually work in a variety of environments, including outdoors at fires and inside burning buildings. They may spend most of their time working long shifts that involve 24-hour days. While firefighters do have the option to work part time, many choose to work full time because of the unpredictable nature of their job. This means that firefighters may work overtime and weekends as well.

Skills

Both fire marshals and firefighters need to have excellent physical fitness because they both need to be able to handle the physically demanding tasks of their job. Firefighters need to be able to lift and carry heavy equipment, climb ladders and enter burning buildings. Fire marshals also need to be in good physical shape as they may need to conduct on-site inspections that require a lot of walking, standing and climbing.

Both fire marshals and firefighters need to have strong communication skills. Firefighters need to be able to communicate with their team while they are responding to an emergency situation. They need to be able to give and receive clear instructions. Fire marshals need to be able to communicate with the public, business owners and government officials. They often give presentations and trainings on fire safety. They also need to be able to write reports detailing their findings from investigations.

Firefighters need to have strong problem-solving skills. They need to be able to quickly assess a situation and make decisions about the best course of action. They also need to be able to troubleshoot problems with their equipment. Fire marshals need to be able to investigate fires to determine their cause. They also need to be able to develop solutions to prevent future fires.

Salary

Fire marshals can earn an average salary of $67,539 per year, while firefighters can earn an average salary of $51,989 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the location of the job, the level of experience of the employee and the size of the company at which they work.