Firefighter Recruitment

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is previous training or experience required?

  No, the Fire Department will provide all necessary firefighting and first aid training. Any relevant past experience or training may help you in the selection process, but we do welcome applications from potential volunteers of any experience level.

• Is this a paid position?

  Yes, Volunteer Firefighters are paid for emergency responses and attendance at training sessions. As per government legislation, the first $1,000.00 of income is tax-free.

• How much time is involved for training?

  Our training program consists of a 10-week Recruit Training Course, consisting of one 3-hour session per week. Successful graduates of the recruit course will then join the regular training program, which involves a 2-3 hour practice session each Monday evening. Additional training sessions are held occasionally on weekends.

  The training program also has an online training module; basic computer skills are required and the ability to access a device for use for completing online training and communicating by email with the Fire Services Department is required.

• How much time is involved for emergency calls?

  Emergency calls may happen at any time and Firefighters are expected to attend as many calls as they can. We are never sure of the frequency and length of the calls, but on average our firefighters log 125 hours per year.

• Do you offer additional training opportunities

  Yes. Additional training opportunities are available and the Fire Department encourages this kind of professional development. Training opportunities and programs are offered throughout the province. Volunteer firefighters are encouraged to attend these programs, and there may be some reimbursement to attend courses covered by the Fire Department.

• Are there physical requirements?

  Firefighting is a strenuous job, performed in hostile environments, in extremely stressful situations. It is important that potential volunteers be capable of handling these stresses, both physically and mentally.

  Frequent heavy lifting and other "heavy" work is required, all while wearing approximately 80 pounds of protective equipment. Anyone who has acrophobia (fear of heights) or claustrophobia (fear of confined spaces) would not be suitable for the job.

  We require a letter from a Physician and a Medical Examination Report form completed stating that you are physically able to work as a firefighter, as a condition of employment. This will be required once you have advanced to Stage 2 of our recruitment process. Additionally, you are required to successfully complete a modified Candidate Physical Abilities Test (CPAT).

• How do I apply?

  Continue to visit the Town's Employment Opportunities page for recruitment postings. 

  In addition to a completed application, you will also need to provide a Driver's Abstract (available from the Ministry of Transportation) and a detailed resume. 

  We also ask that you possess, or be able to acquire, a DZ class driver's license. In order to be eligible to apply for a DZ driver's licence, applicants must:

  • Hold a valid class "G" licence
  • Provide a medical fitness certificate (required only after you have advanced to Stage 2 of our recruitment process)
  • Provide a Driver's Abstract

  The Fire Department will assist applicants with obtaining this licence.

• I live in a neighbouring community. Can I still apply?

  We ask that only those living in The Blue Mountains apply. This is to ensure that a reasonable response time be maintained.

  If you live in an area of the Town that would prevent a quick response to one of the Fire Stations ( i.e. more than 10 km from one of the stations and travel time over 5 minutes) you may not be suitable for the position.