The characters in the game put out fires using hoses with the ability to shoot a direct stream or have a more proximate spray and fire-extinguishing bombs.

[21] Joypad's Nini Nourdine praised the game's originality, controls, and gripping gameplay, but criticized the lack of multiplayer and occasional sprite flickering.

[2] Writing for the German edition, Michael Anton agreed with both Atko and Andy in regards to the length, which he felt was its weak point, but ultimately recommended the game.

[3] Mega Fun's Stefan Hellert and Play Time's Stephan Girlich found the game more action-focused and suitable for beginners compared to Jaleco's The Ignition Factor due to its straightforward structure, which was faulted for being unimaginative and lacking innovation, while echoing similar thoughts as other reviewers about its low difficulty.

[7][13] Top Consoles' Street Man highlighted the game's colorful visuals and French translation, but noted its short length and lack of variety in the action.

[17] Nintendo Acción's Javier Abad commended its detailed sprites, sound effects, simple movement, controls, and originality.

[12] Super Gamer's Jonathan Evans and Hayden Jones criticized the lack of a two-player option and repetitive setting, but gave positive remarks to the graphics and playability.

[9] Última Generación's José Luis Sanz stated that "The Firemen is old in ideas and treats correctly, by approaches and subsequent realization, a development that no one can escape because it is fun and playable.