Fire Engineer as the name itself suggests is the profession that deals with not so good face of the Goddess of Energy. Fire engineer is the professional responsible for finding the ways and means to prevent and control the unwanted fire if eventually, it spreads in any untoward incident. This profession can be considered as noble as any other profession like doctor’s, defence personal’s etc. because it is also all about saving the lives of the people in case of fire in the house, workplaces etc.
Fire Engineer is an expert who acts as lifesavers when pressed into services through his courage and a strong sense of commitment to serve the society. Rightly so this profession has become one of the noblest professions in the world now.
With urbanization and increase in the number of habitats per square unit area and also the use of sophisticated electronic and electric machines at homes and workplaces the chances of fire due to various reasons like, gas leakage, short circuits etc has increased a lot, thus the importance and responsibility of these professionals in the same proportion making it an all-important force in today’s urbanized society.
Fire Engineer Eligibility
Educational Qualification
To join as a Fire Engineer at various levels an aspirant should of one of the following given qualifications.
- Certificate/Diploma courses in Fire Engineering of durations varying from 3 months to 2 years offered by private institutes.
- BE in Fire Engineering of duration 3-1/2/4 years.
Age Limits
Aspiring candidate should be in between 19 yrs. to 24 yrs. of age.
Physical Requirements
- Height:- Minimum 165 cms
- Weight:- 50 kgs.
- Chest measurement:- 81 centimetres, with five-centimetre expansion,
- Vision:- 6/6, preferably without any aid.
Fire Engineer Required Skills
- Fire Engineer has to work day in day out in dangerous conditions and is always at risk of burns, smoke inhalation and exposure to fatal chemicals. They need to be patient and disciplined, quick and efficient, reliable, self-confident and able to work well in teams.
- They need to be aware of streets and places in their respective area of operations in their districts.
- They also need to know about fire-fighting, different types of fires and how to deal with them, and about rescue methods and equipment.
- For doing this entire thing they need to be fighting fit and professionally trained only then they will be able to save the lives of the people with a minimal threat to their own life. To do their duty in an effective manner they have to undergo special training/course.
How to become a Fire Engineer?
Aspiring candidates have to follow the given steps to become a Fire Engineer.
Step 1
After clearing 10th class candidates can join Diploma in Fire Engineering course in the diploma colleges/polytechnics. For joining these courses candidates may have to take some entrance exam conducted by various state technical education boards. However, some of the institutes provide admission on first come first basis without any kind of entrance tests.
Alternatively, candidates who have cleared 12th class can go for B.E Fire Engineering course. Candidates may have to take Engineering Entrance Exams like Joint Entrance Exam to get admission to some of the best engineering colleges of India.
Step 2
After completing this three to four years of diploma/degree course in fire engineering and undergoing some compulsory on job training they can opt for joining in the private or public sector as assistant fire engineer or for the management cadre (for those having degree or master’s degree as the qualification) in fire departments.
Fire Engineer Job Description
Fire Engineer plays an important role in ensuring protection and taking the necessary precautionary actions against unwanted fires. Fire Engineer’s main responsibilities lie in reducing the consequences of fire if there is any such incident. He is responsible for determining main causes of fire and implementing methods of its prevention in future. They also strive to find new ways to maintain the existing and improve the upcoming fire-fighting equipment.
Fire Engineer Career Prospects
There are vast employment chances for fire engineer in large manufacturing units particularly with those involved in the manufacturing of chemicals or inflammable substances like petroleum refineries, petrochemicals and plastic, fertilizers, textiles, LPG and LNG handling and bottling plants, chemicals and other plants where there are risks of fire.
They are also employed by fire departments of local government, insurance companies, aircraft industry, and an area of safety where the possibility of fire or combustion represents a hazard. Fire engineers may also work as surveyors in insurance companies to give the correct assessment of the loss of the clients due to fire incidents in their units.
Fire Engineer Salary
Fire Engineer can get nearly Rs.25,000 per month as an assistant/junior fire engineer to start with and can go as far as Rs.50,000 with a little experience in the field. A firefighter with extraordinary skills and exemplary courage can demand as much as they want as this is the profession which is attached to the safety people.
