Want to fight wildfires in B.C.? Now’s the time to apply

If you’ve ever wanted to be a B.C. Wildfire Service firefighter now is your chance. Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 season

Approximately 1,000 wildfire fighters are hired each year in B.C., according to a post on a provincial government website. Applicants will be expected to show motivation, have a relevant skill set, complete two fitness tests and attend the wildfire service’s new recruit boot camp.

Changes for this year’s recruiting season include provisions to reduce COVID-19 risks, the province said. The first phase of the online application process is unchanged, but following the screening phase, a virtual interview will take place this year and will not include the initial fitness assessment for prospective candidates.

Candidates who are successful in the interview phase will be given a single opportunity to pass the wildfire fighter's fitness test upon arrival at the new recruit boot camp.

Candidates should also be aware of the lengthy recruiting process, which can take from January until mid-May to complete.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 10, 2021.

More information can be found on the B.C. wildfire fighters website.


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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