Fire Engineer
Careers Explorer:
A multi-skilled expert role in fire safety and protection.
Overview
Fire Engineering is the application of scientific and engineering principles, rules and expert judgment, based on an understanding of the phenomena and effects of fire and of the reaction and behaviour of people to fire, to protect people, property and the environment from the destructive effects of fire.
As a Fire Engineer, you will understand
- the nature and characteristics of fire and the mechanisms of fire,
- the spread and the control of fire and the associated products of combustion,
- how fires originate,
- the spread within and outside buildings/structures,
- how fire can be detected, controlled, and/or extinguished
Today the profession of Fire Engineering encompasses a wide range of areas from science to technology and law and management.
Top 5 Tasks
- Assess the hazards, risks of fire and its effects
- Carry out the appropriate level of evaluation for the optimum preventive and protective measures necessary to limit the consequences of fire
- Design, install, maintain and/or development of fire detection, fire suppression, fire control
- Post-fire investigation and analysis, evaluation and feedback
- Mitigate potential fire damage.
Salary
Typically, those starting out as a Fire Engineer will earn around £25,000, with those trained with experience earning in the region of £25,000 – £45,000.
Senior or chartered Fire Engineers can earn much more.
Salaries typically range depending on location and employer.
Am I Suited?
- Excellent communicator
- Problem solver
- Hands-on
- Adaptable
- Flexible
Many Construction Managers and other construction professionals started their careers as apprentices.
Qualifications
The Institution of Fire Engineers can provide more details of how to become an accomplished Fire Engineer.
IFE’s qualifications are recognised by employers in the fire sector throughout the UK and internationally. They are recognised and regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).
