The average fire academy program takes about 12 to 14 weeks to complete a total of 600 hours of training. While most programs want all students to enter at the same time, some have staggered entrance options. Generally, youll need to commit anywhere from 40 to 48 hours weekly to undergo the program.

Do you get paid while in the fire academy?

During these academies, you will be paid, as you are an employee of the department at that point. Sometimes they will start you at a lower “fire recruit” pay step that makes a little less, but many will pay you the regular starting salary of a firefighter with that department.

Is the fire academy hard?

Is the Fire Academy Difficult? The fire academy is a part of every firefighters journey, and it can be very difficult. This basic level of training is what is necessary to ensure you are safe and capable to handle the situations you will encounter in the fire service.

How long did it take you to become a firefighter?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Firefighter?ActivityTime TakenEMT School6 monthsParamedic Training1 – 2 yearsFire Science Education2 – 4 yearsApplication + Hiring Process2 months – 5+ years3 more rows

Do you live at the fire academy?

During the academy, students will not only participate in physical conditioning and academic classes--theyll also participate in live drills. These drills are often referred to as “live-fire training sessions.”

What are the requirements for the fire academy?

Every fire academy has different requirements, but most will want you to be between the ages of 18 and 45 and to have a high school degree or equivalent. Whatever your age, you must be in excellent physical and mental condition to be able to pass the rigorous training of the fire academy.

Do firefighters sleep at work?

A: Sort of. Firefighters often spend 24 hours at a time at the firehouse followed by 48 hours off duty. During this time they eat, sleep, shower, work and relax at the firehouse. So, they essentially live at the firehouse for approximately 1/3 of their career.

Do you have to shave your head for fire academy?

LAFDs grooming standards indicate a clean shave for males and for women to wear their hair in a neat, professional manner off the face and neck. up their slack. assist in your recovery from our intense training.

Is 23 too old to become a firefighter?

You can become a professional firefighter after 30, 40, or even 50 at some fire departments. There are departments that have upper age limits between 28 and 40, while others have no upper age requirements for firefighters. There are usually no upper age limits to be a volunteer firefighter.

Is 26 too old to become a firefighter?

We do not have an age limit for applicants. It is very possible that two people the same age, whether 20 or 40, will perform very differently. It is up to each recruit, in conjunction with their medical physician, to determine what they are physically capable of doing.