MINOT, ND ( KXNET ) — For many people, getting and staying fit is a choice, but for North Dakota firefighters, it’s a necessity.

According to the Firefighter Rescue Survey, which compiles data from thousands of fire rescues, a first responder’s life expectancy goes down by 50% when spending 10 minutes or more trying to remove someone from a burning structure.

A firefighter’s life expectancy goes down as well when having to search for someone who is unconscious, overweight, or dealing with severe medical conditions during a fire emergency.

So firefighters know just how important fitness is when they put on the uniform.

“Right now, I weigh 115, 120 pounds, when I put on my full kit including air and including tools, you’re probably closer to somewhere to 180 to 200 pounds,” said Ryan Rivas, a firefighter.

Minot firefighters will be doing an agility course in October that simulates live situations while in full gear.

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