They are fighting to get good health care, to contribute to U.S. efforts at homeland security, to prepare the fire and police departments for potential attacks, and to help others repair their psyches after witnessing the worst possible.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

General Motors, maker of the Chevy Volt, is also helping to prepare fire service and other first responders.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

"Anyone living in that area ahead of the fire really needs to prepare, " said Mike Lindberry of the Ventura County Fire Department.

CNN: California wildfire consumes 8,000 acres in five hours

New training units allowing firefighters to prepare for conditions that can result in fire crew deaths and serious injuries were opened in January.

BBC: Highlands and Islands brigade aims to cut CO2 emissions

The exercise, staged by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Glasgow, aimed to prepare crews for emergencies like the helicopter crash in central London in January.

BBC: firefighter generic