Fire Engine Driver as the name itself suggests is the profession that deals with the not so good face of the Goddess of Energy i.e the Agni. In fact, these are the professionals who are apt to defeat the goddess in the race of destruction and safety. Fire Engine Drivers contrary to the ordinary vehicle driver are the professionals who are responsible for finding the ways and reaching the spot 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 this profession is also all about saving the lives of the people in case of fire in-house, workplaces etc.
Fire Engine Drivers are the professional who acts as lifesavers when pressed into the services through their 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 -along with Fireman and Fire engineers- in today’s urbanized society. Fire Engine Drivers play an important role in ensuring the lighting fast approaching of the engine at the right spot protection and taking the necessary precautionary actions for the safety of the other users of the roadways too. Fire Engine Driver’s main responsibility lies in reducing the time of arrival on the spot of fire as much as possible.
Fire Engine Driver have to work day in day out in dangerous conditions and are always at risk of accidents, 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 a team. 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 in case of extra help required for want of lack of fireman. 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. Thus to do their duty in an effective manner they have to undergo special training/course. To join that course they can adopt the following given path and join not so paid but noble and dangerous but satisfying career.
Fire Engine Driver Eligibility
Basic Requirements
The candidate must possess a license for driving heavy vehicles and have two years of driving experience. Also, the candidate must be physically fit and capable of performing strenuous duties.
Educational Qualification
The aspiring candidates should be at least a Matriculate i.e 10th Class pass.
Age Limits
Not exceeding 32 years.
Physical requirements
Height: Minimum 165 cms.
Weight: 50 kgs.
Chest: 85 cms(On expansion) & 81.5cms(Unexpended).
All the above parameter are relaxable for government servants and SC/ST as per government rules.
Physical Endurance
Must be able to carry a man (Fireman lift of 63.5kgs to distance of 183metres within 96 seconds).
Must be able to climb 3-meter vertical rope using hands and feet.
Clearing 2.7-meter wide ditch landing on both feet.
How to become a Fire Engine Driver?
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an employment test conducted by various state/district administration or ammunition factories for the post of Fire Engine Drivers.
Step 2
After clearing this employment test the selected candidates are imparted short-term special training as per the requirements of the organisation and appointed as Fire Engine Driver as per the requirements.
Fire Engine Driver Job Opportunites and Career Prospects
There are vast employment chances for Fire Engine Drivers now in large manufacturing units particularly those that involve 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. Besides Fire engine drivers 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 Engine Driver Salary
Fire Engine Driver can get nearly Rs.15,000 per month to start with and can go as far as Rs.35,000 per month with a little experience in the field.
