How to Become a Firefighter in WA

To remove any confusion I'm talking about how to become a firefighter with DFES

I will not be covering general how to's that can be found on the how to become a firefighter page.

Competition in WA Firefighter Recruitment

DFES is an extremely competitive fire service in Australia. Over the last decade or so I have been following firefighter recruitment in WA.

The amount of applicants has fluctuated between 1200 - 3500 applications in the many variations of recruitment that DFES has conducted.

I like to point this out from the beginning so you understand the potential of the competition and what may be required in order to beat these hundred or thousands of people.

I don't mean to put you off the idea, more to make you consider the fact that simply winging it will more than likely land you on the wrong side of the fence when the cards fall.

Tests You Need to Pass 

In order to become a firefighter in WA with DFES

DFES has had many iterations and process changes over the years we have been painstakingly following them. DFES Has probably changed the most out of all the fire services, they seem addicted to moving the way they recruit. This can be a pain in the bum but the fundamentals have not changed

Over the last few years we have seen DFES firefighter recruitment change test providers from Saville, Chandler Mcleod & Revelian. 

For more information on the DFES recruitment process, and tests required, please visit our dedicated page. 

Recruitment Dates

Firefighter recruitment dates and outlook for Fire and rescue WA this year.

Education Requirements

DFES Firefighter high school requirements

Skills, Attributes & Attitude Needed to Become a Firefighter in WA

- Mindset: you need to be able to get into the right frame of mind to become a firefighter in WA, many people struggle with the journey and find the challenge insurmountable. If you can get this right from the start you're half way there. Commit to the journey

- Develop skills and understanding around all aspects of the testing suite for the current intake.

- Attention to detail.

- Communication skills, you will need to develop extremely good communication and interpersonal skills.

- Positive winning attitude, every minute spent on an unproductive negative activity or conversation is a minute wasted that could be put to use. Don't be like the masses.

Application:

TIP: Position Description is a gold mine in the right hands

- You have 1 opportunity to get this right so don't take any chances

- This is generally your first interaction with the service so make it count. Make it contribute to your success, it's a real opportunity to do just that.

- Read the instructions carefully & Follow them to the letter. Sounds simple but so many people mess it up.

- Gain an understanding of what IS important to include and what IS NOT. You don't want to paint yourself in a dull light just because you don't fully understand whats superfluous and what is crucial to have on your application. You can be a great candidate but not a great writer so don't let this be the reason you're out of the game for another year.

TIP: Getting a second opinion from a suitably qualified professional before submitting could make or break you at this point. In my opinion If you can control the outcome of something it is wise to do everything in your power to do just that.

Firefighter WA Salary

Click the button below to go to the firefighter salary page where I keep an up to date firefighter aggregate salary for Australia as well as the current firefighter salary for WA

Case Study: Mario L - DFES Firefighter

Mario was on his 3rd and final attempt at becoming a firefighter in WA with DFES. Mario had tried twice and been unsuccessful over an almost 3 year period. 

We met Mario on his 3rd and final attempt at his dream of becoming a professional firefighter.

What I think is an interesting takeaway from Mario's journey is that he had decided to give it one final try, go all out and leave nothing to chance. This actually reminds me of the way I approached the process myself.

The way Mario's life has changed forever by following the process and committing is unimaginable, I'm glad Mario decided to give it one last go before giving up and not only give it one last go, make sure that last attempt was stacked in his favour.

Here's a brief tip to YOU from Mario

tips to applicants: "talk to firey's and maximize the tools inside membership; write down everything you see, learn, read and hear and ask about the values and situations encountered and what to do (e.g. city vs suburbs), what stations specialise in etc."

Process MAP - DFES Firefighter Recruitment

Resources