Surviving the Firehouse is a work of non-fiction and an educational work by author Mauro Porcelli, who gives his real life experiences over in the self-described ‘A Rookie's Guide to Surviving the Firehouse and Fire Department Life. After twenty-five years of experience in this field, Porcelli appreciates the severe impact that the initial demands of firefighting work have on the young and the new to the profession, often ending their careers before they have really begun. In this collection of stories, advice, anecdotes and personal reflections, Porcelli provides his book as a ‘mentor’ to new firefighters, helping them complete their first year through many different aspects of the job.