Why do you think that every year thousands of applicants apply to become firefighter and most are rejected?

The high rate of rejections among firefighter applicants can largely be attributed to the intense competition within the field. Firefighting positions are in demand, yet the number of available slots is limited. Many fire departments may hire only a small number of candidates every few years, often in the range of 20 to 30 applicants. This disparity between the number of hopeful applicants and the limited openings creates a highly competitive environment.

Because so many individuals apply, only those who meet both the rigorous qualifications and stand out among their peers, including physical fitness, technical knowledge, and psychological readiness, are selected. It’s not uncommon for departments to receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for just a handful of positions, which emphasizes the challenge applicants face. This scenario indicates that simply having the desire to become a firefighter is not enough; applicants must also demonstrate exceptional competence and resilience to overcome significant competition.