Day-to-day life of a Firefighter

[u/Solanima]

As part of National Novel Writing Month, I am writing about a character who is a firefighter (among other things). Of course, I have never been a firefighter, and don't know what it's really like. I plan on doing some research myself, but I would like to hear directly from those of you who have been on the job: what's it being a firefighter?

I'm not just asking what it's like fighting fires (though that would be good to hear too). I want to know what it's like in your day-to-day life, how you spend your downtime, how close you are with your fellow firefighters, that sort of thing. Give me details that will help my novel feel authentic, in spite of the fact that I've never been in a major fire.

Also, if there is any media you would recommend for an accurate portrayal of your jobs (movies, documentaries, TV shows, books, even video games), let me know!

[u/GCS_of_3]

I can only speak for my experience, but our day to day life outside of calls isn’t really anything worth writing about. We cook, we clean, we do community outreach occasionally. It’s like living at a different house every couple days. Just mundane life stuff mostly

Unlike Chicago fire would have you believe, most houses aren’t filled with beautiful model-esq men with their shirts off.. most fireman look like your dad. We also aren’t going on some mind blowing, 10 story building with a car teetering on the edge of it every day. I’ve had maybe 3-4 really “crazy” calls in the last 6 months

Not sure this helps, but many Hollywood interpretations take a lot of liberties with what it’s like, and it boils down to a really exciting career to be a part of, not so exciting to watch/read about