Firefighters

How AI is changing firefighters work

1 of 25 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use yet) — 4%. 4 newer tasks are not in the data yet and left out.

This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.

Tasks in this job and recorded AI use

• Inform and educate the public on fire prevention (main task) — some recorded AI use
• Rescue survivors from burning buildings, accident sites, and water hazards (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Administer first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation to injured persons or provide emergency medical care such as basic or advanced life support (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Dress with equipment such as fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Move toward the source of a fire, using knowledge of types of fires, construction design, building materials, and physical layout of properties (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Drive and operate fire fighting vehicles and equipment (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Search to locate fire survivors (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Operate pumps connected to high-pressure hoses (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Maintain contact with fire dispatchers at all times to notify them of the need for additional firefighters and supplies, or to detail any difficulties encountered (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Extinguish flames and embers to suppress fires, using shovels or engine- or hand-driven water or chemical pumps (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Maintain knowledge of current firefighting practices by participating in drills and by attending seminars, conventions, and conferences (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Select and attach hose nozzles, depending on fire type, and direct streams of water or chemicals onto fires (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Collaborate with other firefighters as a member of a firefighting crew (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Train new employees to control and suppress fires (main task) — too new for the AI data
• Position and climb ladders to gain access to upper levels of buildings, or to rescue individuals from burning structures (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Create openings in buildings for ventilation or entrance, using axes, chisels, crowbars, electric saws, or core cutters (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Participate in fire drills and demonstrations of fire fighting techniques (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Assess fires and situations and report conditions to superiors to receive instructions, using two-way radios (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Inspect fire sites after flames have been extinguished to make sure that there is no further danger (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Patrol burned areas after fires to locate and eliminate hot spots that may restart fires (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Take action to contain any hazardous chemicals that could catch fire, leak, or spill (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Prepare written reports that detail specifics of fire incidents (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Protect property from water and smoke, using waterproof salvage covers, smoke ejectors, and deodorants (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Inspect buildings for fire hazards and compliance with fire prevention ordinances, testing and checking smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment as necessary (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Collaborate with police to respond to accidents, disasters, and arson investigation calls (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Salvage property by removing broken glass, pumping out water, and ventilating buildings to remove smoke (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Clean and maintain fire stations and fire fighting equipment and apparatus (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Participate in physical training activities to maintain a high level of physical fitness (main task) — no recorded AI use
• Orient self in relation to fire, using compass and map, and collect supplies and equipment dropped by parachute — no recorded AI use

Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).

Your first steps (guidance)

1. Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
2. Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Inform and educate the public on fire prevention”. Try the prompt for: “Respond to fire alarms and other calls for assistance”.

Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.

Questions about AI and firefighters

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