Fire Department · Career
Birmingham Fire Department
Birmingham, MI · Oakland County
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Department careers page ↗Birmingham Fire Department has served the city since 1913, operating out of two stations that keep at least 10 personnel on duty around the clock, every day of the year. Every member is a licensed paramedic as well as a certified firefighter, so the same crews that arrive on an engine also deliver advanced life support care, which the department notes drives the majority of its call volume toward emergency medical incidents rather than fires.
Beyond suppression and EMS, the department runs fire prevention, fire investigation, hydrant testing, apparatus maintenance, and emergency management functions for the city, and its Fire Prevention Bureau offers free home fire hazard inspections to residents on request. The department is projecting roughly 3,100 emergency responses for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and reports an average response time of under three minutes, which it identifies as the fastest in Michigan.
External firefighter/paramedic candidates must already hold Michigan Firefighter I & II certification and a Michigan Paramedic license before applying; openings are posted through the city's online applicant portal.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- State of Michigan Firefighter I and II Certification
- State of Michigan Paramedic License
- Vision correctable to 20/20 in both eyes
- Valid Michigan Operator's License with good driving record
- No record of criminal conviction
- Physical condition appropriate for the position
Hiring process
- Submit application through the online applicant portal
- Written and/or performance testing
- Oral appraisal/interview
- Pre-employment physical exam
- Background investigation
- Criminal history check
Does the fire department do home fire hazard inspections?
Yes, the Fire Prevention Bureau does home inspections free of charge when requested; contact Firefighter/Paramedic Jessica Rak at 248.530.1923 to schedule.
Why do fire engines respond alongside ambulances for medical calls?
All fire department personnel are trained first responders, so fire engines accompany ambulances because their crews can provide additional medical assistance to stabilize patients before hospital transport.
How many fire hydrants does the department maintain?
The city maintains 865 fire hydrants throughout Birmingham.
Does the fire department handle animal rescues?
No, the fire department does not handle animal rescues; residents should contact Birmingham Police dispatch at 248.530.1889.
Can the fire department loan medical equipment like wheelchairs or crutches?
No, the department does not loan wheelchairs or crutches; residents should contact a medical supply vendor instead.