VIDEO: Firefighters routinely work on staying in shape with training that goes beyond running or doing – think of punching a hole in a ceiling or carrying 100 pounds up the stairs. The Tempe Fire Department requires firefighters to do physical training at least an hour per day while off duty and, like firefighters in the Phoenix Fire Department and other fire agencies across the United States, pass an annual physical fitness test. Paul Nies, assistant chief at Tempe Fire Medical Rescue, said preparing to fight fires or help people in a medical emergency is serious business. “If you are Tier Four, the least physically fit, we will remove you from front line service,” Nies said.