Fire Engineer

Fire engineering is a field of science that works to better understand fire. With this knowledge, Firefighters are better prepared to battle different types of fires and handle the safety equipment that could save their lives. In addition, fire engineering strives to develop more effective fire detection systems and firefighting equipment.

As a Fire Engineer, you might work towards one or all of these goals. You could work for a company that produces firefighting equipment. In this position, you help design and test safety equipment, such as boots, coats, air masks, helmets, hoses, or chemical propellants. You might also help create different types of fire extinguishers.

Alternatively, you might focus your energies on fire prevention. This includes working on fire alarms, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems. Outside homes or businesses, you look at how bushes, grass, fences, overgrowth, and other factors help to protect or endanger the structure in case of a wildfire.

You could also work directly with Firefighters (you might even be one yourself), evaluating firefighting procedures. You might design escape routes for homes or businesses (think hotels), or train the public or Firefighters on accident prevention.

In addition to all of this, you could investigate fire accidents or property damage in an effort to better understand what happened and put precautionary measures in place for the future. You also assess buildings for compliance to fire codes. Overall, your goal is the safety of both Firefighters and occupants.