Training, Durham Fire Department

"Serving the Community Since 1927"

Mast Road Burn 2009

The Durham Fire Department has the option of hiring the best potential candidate as firefighters. We have updated our acceptable minimum requirements for the position of firefighter to having passed the NH State Written and Practical exam as given by New Hampshire Fire Standards and Training, possessing Firefighter II, EMT-Intermediate, and possessing a CDL-B within the first 6 months of hire. With the additional requirements of Certified Career Firefighter at the State level, Durham Firefighters will have to possess this level of training as the standard for full time firefighters within a year after hire. The total hours of training for each certificate are:

Firefighter I	188 hours
Firefighter II	112 hours
Certified Career	80+ hours
EMT Basic	120 hours
EMT-I	120 hours plus clinical

Probationary firefighters have 1 year to attain additional skills and local knowledge to be accepted to full-time status. This includes learning to drive and operate all apparatus; learning the locations of streets, buildings, and hydrants on campus and in town; and retaining or learning firefighting or EMS skills. The investment of many hours is needed to qualify as a full-time Durham Firefighter.

We serve a diverse community of people and environments unequalled by many larger cities in New Hampshire. We have ten-story buildings, Amtrack rail line, Great Bay Estuary, State Highway Route 4, University of New Hampshire main campus, and many acres of heavily wooded areas outside the hydrant district. Firefighters have to be versed in dealing with a variety of situations and equipment like alarm panels, sprinkler systems, elevators, pressure hydrants, cutting fire line, and rural water supply.

In-service training includes scheduled and impromptu classes on fire, rescue, and EMS required and non-required skills and knowledge. These areas include: