Pros
Diverse work opportunities, travel, training, and ability to do other work details for a time, while still being able to hold you permanent position after you’re done. Pay isn’t great, but you do see increases more often at times than you would the private industry. Plenty of chances to get promoted, if willing to relocate.
Cons
Chance of furloughs, but back pay is guaranteed. Pay is lower than other government and private agencies. Must be willing to relocate, mainly out of state, to advance quickly. Inequality of pay between fire field and general field positions. Fire pay has been boosted significantly while general field has not been improved much. You can also end up with very poor quality supervisors, which can reduce the enjoyment of the job.