Joining the Urbana Fire Rescue Services Department

Application Information

To be notified of the next firefighter recruitment period, please sign up for e-mail notifications.  Be sure that you list an e-mail address that you will check frequently, as this is how we will notify you. When we have an opening in an area you selected, you will receive an e-mail letting you know that we are accepting applications.

Firefighter Physical Agility Exam

Timed Obstacle Course

1. Climb up and down 13 steps x 3 reps with high rise pack on shoulder.

2. Disengage 12 foot ladder from above shoulder level and vertically place it for safe climbing.

3. Climb up and down the 12 foot ladder and then reposition it above shoulder level horizontally.

4. Squat or kneel to unite 1 hose couplings on fire hydrant and 2 street nozzle on the ground.

5. Climb up and down secured extension ladder and climb over top (simulating climbing into window).

6. Perform hoist lift with 50#, 3 times (involves 12 foot rope attached to 50#). Must use hand over hand technique for raising and lowering weight.

7. Descend 13 stairs.

8. Perform 100 foot recovery walk.

9. Walk to I-beam and with 8# sledge hammer strike target on the beam and drive I-beam 5 feet.

10. Following fire hose, crawl in darkened room with obstacles under suspended obstruction 3 feet above floor level for 10-12 feet to lantern type light at end of hose. Follow hose back out of darkened room.

11. Drag 2½ inch hose over 100 ft distance (weighted with 45# pounds for simulated uncharged hose).

12. Perform 100 foot recovery walk.

13. Pick up and drag 185# dummy 100 ft while walking in back peddling motion. Must use either handles or grasp around chest for dragging.

Items separate from timed obstacle course:  

• Kneeling for 5 minutes while performing fine motor tasks. Able to assemble 12 nuts and bolts on and off and do 15 pieces on pegboard (peg, washer, collar) while using dominant hand in the 5 minute timeframe. Objects to be placed on the floor.
• Charged hose drag outside with 2.5 inch hose. Drag charged hose which is laid out accordion style to full length.