Enhanced Wildland Firefighter Recruitment Underway

The Province is opening the door for more wildland firefighters with in-depth knowledge of local terrain to join the service.

The Province is opening the door for more wildland firefighters with in-depth knowledge of local terrain to join the service.

The government says improvements to the BC Wildfire Service’s hiring process have resulted in more than 1,000 firefighter applicants, with another three months of hiring to go.

Interested applicants can learn more about opportunities at Becoming A Wildfire Service Firefighter. 

“Climate change causes hotter and longer fire seasons, so the demand for skilled firefighters with local knowledge has never been higher,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests.

“By expanding our hiring process to bring in more highly trained professionals, especially in rural communities, we will be more effective at responding to wildfires when and where they happen.”

A series of enhancements have been made to strengthen pathways for participation in wildfire response, specifically for applicants in rural and remote communities.

That includes expanding First Nations bootcamps, extending the hiring period for new recruits and encouraging applicants to indicate work location preference.

As well, a dedicated training and recruitment model for First Nations communities is being expanded.

Learnings from First Nations bootcamps will be adopted into the BC Wildfire Service core curriculum and serve as a model for other interested First Nations.

People who are interested in learning more about becoming a BC Wildfire Service crew member may apply until March 31, 2024.

Additionally, applicants are invited to indicate their first, second and third choice of work location from the outset.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.