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How many fire fighters have been hired in B.C. this year?
In 2011, nearly 1,400 men and women applied for approximately 200 available fire fighting jobs.
In a typical year, approximately 550 applicants are interviewed, and about 165 candidates are invited to attend one of our New Recruit Training Boot Camps, to fill 150 vacant positions.
Almost 80% of the province's fire fighters are recalled from previous years.
What types of fire fighting crews are there?
The answer is found on the following page:
What is an "Incident Management Team?"
The answer is found on the following page:
What type of training do fire fighters receive?
Fighting wildfires is dangerous and exhausting work. As the safety of our employees is of utmost importance, fire fighting and safety training is given to all employees prior to being assigned to fight wildfires.
Fire line personnel are expected to conduct their fire-fighting activities in a safe and professional manner with the highest regard for the safety of themselves and others.
B.C. Forest Service fire fighters are highly efficient and cost effective because they are well trained and physically fit. The training BCFS fire fighters receive includes:
- fire line safety
- first aid
- safe driving
- chainsaw operation and safety
- fire behaviour
- fire weather
- fire suppression techniques and methods
- pumps and hoses
- helicopter safety
- fire line communications
- WHMIS and Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Physically fit and well-trained fire fighters:
- have higher productivity
- are more safety conscious and have less accidents
- costs the government significantly less money
How many people on a fire crew are sent to a wildfire?
Small Fire Up to 15 people; all fire functions handled by the Incident Commander.
Medium Fire 16-50 people; the Incident Commander would have other bosses in charge of various functions, as required.
Large Fire 50-100 people; the Incident Commander would require assistance from a Line Boss, Support Boss and others dictated by resources/strategy.
Project Fire More than 100 fire-fighters; again the degree of staffing would depend on the amount of mobile equipment, use of fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and proximity of camp to town for administrative back up. The full range of positions could be required.
Why does the B.C. Forest Service use out-of-province fire fighters?
The B.C. Forest Service trains enough fire fighters for an above-average fire season. To train enough fire fighters for the worst case fire season would be a waste of taxpayers money.
If the fire workload becomes intense, we can borrow professional fire fighters from other agencies through a national Mutual Aid Resource Sharing (MARS) Agreement. Previously, we used to hire people "off the street" to fight forest fires. These "off the street" people were often un-fit and un-trained.
Because fighting forest fires is dangerous and exhausting work, we prefer to use professional fire fighters who are trained, physically fit and properly equipped. The reasons we prefer to use out-of-province fire fighters:
SAFETY
- The safety of fire line employees is of utmost importance. We prefer to use professional fire fighters who are physically fit and trained in fire behaviour and fire safety. Un-trained, un-fit fire fighters can be dangerous to themselves and others.
- In 1991, an un-trained, un-fit fire fighter died while actioning a forest fire. The coroner's report and Worker’s Compensation Board recommended that only trained, fit fire fighters be used.
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
- Un-trained fire fighters cost more money than professional fire fighters.
- Un-trained fire fighters require constant monitoring to ensure their safety and constant supervision to ensure they are doing the job properly. They are more likely to be involved in accidents which may increase our WCB costs.
PRODUCTIVITY
- Professional fire fighters are well trained and physically fit. One professional fire fighter can perform the same amount of work as several "off the street" fire fighters.
TIMELINESS
- Once a fire bust starts, we do not have the time (minimum 3 days) to train new people to become fire fighters. It is faster and more efficient to borrow professional fire fighters from other agencies.
B.C. PARTICIPATION IN THE MARS AGREEMENT
- B.C. is an active contributor to the MARS agreement. Within the past five years we have sent people and resources to the Yukon, Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Quebec, and the USA.
How can I find out more about fire fighting jobs?
The answer is found on the following page:
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