A fireman is a person whose job is to put out fires and rescue people from dangerous situations. When a building catches fire, firemen rush to the scene in fire trucks, connect hoses to hydrants, and spray powerful streams of water to extinguish the flames. They also rescue people trapped inside burning buildings, cut people free from car accidents, and respond to medical emergencies.

Firemen wear special protective gear: heavy coats and pants that don't catch fire easily, helmets to protect their heads from falling debris, and breathing masks to help them breathe in smoky air. They train constantly to stay strong and skilled, practicing how to carry heavy equipment up ladders, break through doors, and work together as a team under pressure.

The job requires both physical courage and quick thinking. A fireman might need to search through a smoke-filled room to find someone who needs help, or decide the safest way to fight a spreading fire. Many firemen live at the fire station during their shifts, ready to respond the instant an alarm sounds, day or night.

Today, both men and women work in this profession, so you'll also hear people use the terms firefighter or fire officer to describe anyone who does this vital work.