Req 10a — Visit a Fire Station

A fire station visit is a window into what firefighters actually do. You’ll see equipment, learn about the job, and get a sense of whether this career appeals to you.

Planning Your Visit

Contact the station:

• Call ahead. Most fire departments welcome Scout visits, but don’t just show up. Call the station and ask for a tour.
• Explain who you are. “I’m working on the Fire Safety merit badge and would love to visit and learn about careers.”
• Schedule a time. Ask when they have time available (some stations are busier than others; midday is often good).
• Ask how many people can come. Most stations have a limit on tour size.

Bring an adult:

• A parent, merit badge counselor, or troop leader should accompany you.
• Adults make the experience feel official and give the firefighters confidence.

Prepare questions:

Before you go, write down questions you want to ask:

• “What types of calls do you respond to most?”
• “How did you become a firefighter?”
• “What’s the hardest part of the job?”
• “What does a typical shift look like?”
• “What fire prevention programs does this station run?”
• “What training did you need to get this job?”
• “Do you like the work? Why?”

What You’ll See

Fire Trucks & Engines

Different vehicles for different jobs:

• Engine company vehicles (red trucks with hoses and pumps) respond to structure fires, vehicle accidents, and medical calls.
• Ladder trucks (tall vehicles with long ladders) reach upper stories and get people out of windows.
• Tanker trucks carry water in areas without hydrants.
• Rescue trucks carry specialized equipment for extrication, searches, and complex rescues.
• Hazmat vehicles carry equipment for chemical and hazardous material incidents.
• Ambulances/Paramedic units provide medical response.
• Command vehicles serve as mobile incident command centers during large fires.

Ask firefighters about each vehicle’s purpose and equipment.

Station Layout

• Apparatus bay (garage area where vehicles are parked)
• Engine room (equipment maintenance)
• Kitchen (firefighters prepare meals between calls)
• Sleeping quarters (crews rest during shifts)
• Briefing room (where firefighters gather for meetings and safety briefings)
• Training room (where skills are practiced)

Some stations may not show you sleeping areas, which is normal.

Equipment & Gear

Ask about:

• Turnout gear (protective clothing worn during firefighting)
• SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) — air tanks firefighters wear to breathe in smoke
• Hoses and nozzles — for water delivery
• Rescue tools — extrication equipment for vehicle accidents
• Ladders — various types for different situations

Questions About the Community

Ask firefighters:

• “What are the most common fires in our area?” (Structure? Vehicle? Wildland? Kitchen fires?)
• “What fire prevention programs does this station run?” (School visits? Home inspections? Community education?)
• “How does your station fit into the larger community?” (Is it career or volunteer? How many people?)
• “What are the biggest fire hazards in our neighborhood?” (Dry vegetation? Old houses? Industry?)
• “Have there been major fires in our area? What happened?”

These questions help you understand your community’s specific fire risks.

Questions About Careers

Ask firefighters about their career path:

• “How did you get into this job?” (Some were volunteers first; some went through academy training straight out of high school.)
• “What training did you need?” (Fire academy, EMT certification, driver’s license, etc.)
• “What’s a typical shift like?” (24-hour shifts are common.)
• “What’s the hardest part of the job?” (Dangerous situations? Emotional trauma? Time away from family?)
• “What do you enjoy most?” (Helping people? Camaraderie? Problem-solving?)
• “What skills do you need?” (Physical fitness? Thinking clearly under stress? Teamwork?)
• “How much does firefighting training cost?” (Many departments train recruits for free once hired; some require pre-hire training.)
• “Are there different types of firefighting careers?” (Structural vs. wildland, inspector, prevention educator, investigator, etc.?)

After Your Visit

Thank them:

• Thank the firefighters for their time. They’re busy, and they gave you their attention.
• Send a thank-you note to the fire chief or station manager.

Debrief with your counselor:

Discuss what you learned:

• What types of vehicles and equipment did you see?
• What fire prevention programs does the community have?
• What did firefighters say about their job?
• Did any career paths sound interesting?
• Do you think firefighting is a career you’d consider?
• What surprised you about the fire station or the job?

Documentation:

You might ask the station if they have any pamphlets or business cards you can keep for your records. Some stations give out Fire Safety merit badge certificates or patches to visiting Scouts.

A Note on Timing

If a call comes in while you’re visiting, firefighters will leave to respond to an emergency. Don’t take it personally—that’s their job. Many stations have had to interrupt or shorten tours because of emergency calls. If that happens, ask if you can reschedule or if any of them can answer a few more questions before they go.

If you choose the career research path instead, here’s what you’ll do.