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What Are the Different Types of Overseas Firefighter Jobs?

Esther Ejim
Esther Ejim

Firefighting is a type of job that may be viewed from various angles, depending on what the person analyzing the job is looking for. As such, it may be considered from its various attributes, including the inherent danger and the thrill that some people equate with the seemingly exciting experience of battling fires in different capacities. Whatever the angle, there is no denying the fact that firefighters are courageous men and women who provide an important service to the community — sometimes at the risk of their own lives. This factor also makes the job an attractive one for some individuals who may seek different types of overseas firefighter jobs as a variation to the usual local firefighter jobs and also for other reasons that may include a desire to work in other countries. Most of the overseas firefighter jobs are generated by the government, while some may be generated by the private sector.

An example of overseas firefighter jobs that are generated by the government include the firefighter jobs that can be found in the different arms of the military. The exact specifications of such overseas firefighter jobs and the requirements from prospective applicants depend on the country under consideration. In the same sense, the duties that such firefighters will perform, including their pay and scope of duty will, also be determined by the country under consideration. For example, in the United States, the Department of Defense typically has openings for firefighters who will be posted to their numerous military bases and stations that are located in different countries around the world. As can be expected, the training for such overseas firefighter jobs are quite intense as well as the requirements from the applicants before they can be considered for the jobs.

Some firefighters fight wildland fires.
Some firefighters fight wildland fires.

The private sector also has some overseas firefighter jobs for parties interested in such jobs. Usually, the kinds of companies that offer such jobs are huge international corporations that may require the services of experienced firefighters around the world to protect the sprawling industrial and residential properties that may be located in places that lack amenities. An example is an oil producing company that may need to have a world-class fire station on its premises due to the volatility of the materials they deal with. This is in addition to the fact that such stations are often located in isolated areas that may be out of the reach of local fire service.

Discussion Comments

RoyalSpyder

One thing I really like about the article is how it says that firefighters are very courageous, something Chmander and Viranty also pointed out. In this world where guns and crime run rampant, I often feel like firefighters are overlooked, as police officers (unintentionally) take most of the spotlight.

Krunchyman

@Chmander - I agree with you about New York City. I don't mean to bring this up, but this is especially prominent with the September 11th terrorist attacks. I'm sure there were plenty of fires in New York City prior to that, but not even the strictest amount of training could have prepared them for what they were about to experience that day.

Chmander

While being a firefighter can certainly be an interesting job, it can also be a dangerous one as well. Although honestly, it really depends on where you live. For example, if you live in one of the more quiet areas, such as Bolingbrook, you generally won't have much of a problem. However, on the other hand, if you're a firefighter in New York City, you have to be prepared at all times.

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    • Some firefighters fight wildland fires.
      By: Charlie Oliver
      Some firefighters fight wildland fires.
    • Military firefighters may face additional dangers compared to those civilian firefighters face when combating blazes, such as nearby aircraft and the presence of ammunition or explosives.
      By: Tatiana Belova
      Military firefighters may face additional dangers compared to those civilian firefighters face when combating blazes, such as nearby aircraft and the presence of ammunition or explosives.
    • Overseas firefighting jobs are available in the private sector.
      By: roza
      Overseas firefighting jobs are available in the private sector.