The Federal Fire Service has issued a caution to prospective recruits, reminding them that “hunger is not part of the training syllabus” and emphasizing the need for strong physical fitness to handle the demands of firefighting.
In a public advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the Service urged applicants awaiting the release of the recruitment shortlist to prioritize their health and fitness.
“Eat well, rest properly, and exercise regularly while you wait,” the statement advised. “We need strong and fit firefighters, not fainting champions.”
Highlighting the physical rigors of the profession, the FFS pointed out that firefighting requires more than courage—it demands stamina, agility, and endurance.
“Your potbelly won’t fit inside bunker gear,” the Service warned humorously but firmly, underscoring the necessity of being physically prepared.
The advisory stressed that firefighting gear and rescue operations require quickness and resilience, qualities that cannot be compromised.
“The fire doesn’t wait for the unfit—so prepare well,” it added.
While the official date for the recruitment shortlist has not yet been announced, this early warning serves as a reminder to reduce the number of candidates who might fail due to insufficient fitness.
A senior FFS official, speaking anonymously, explained that the campaign aims to emphasize the importance of both physical and mental discipline in the life-saving profession.
“The public often sees firefighters as heroes, but behind that is rigorous training and readiness. We want recruits who can carry heavy equipment, endure intense heat, and still save lives,” the official said.
