Calling all wannabe BC Wildfire firefighters.
Applications to become a firefighter with the BC Wildfire Service for the 2021 wildfire season are being accepted until January 10, 2021.
Every year the BC Wildfire Service employs approximately 1,000 wildfire fighters. If you're interested, applicants must show motivation, have a relevant skill set, complete two fitness tests, and attend the BC Wildfire Service's New Recruit Boot Camp.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for wildfire fighters but they managed to adapt in the summer of 2020 and similar protocols will likely be in place again this summer.
Last year new sleeping accommodations, shower units, and handwashing stations were set up so that crews can maintain hygiene and keep their physical distance from each other while living in the temporary camps that are often erected during fire season.
Crews switched from large ranger tents to smaller individual tents and buffet-style meals were replaced by individual, pre-packaged portions.
With a turn over rate of around 20 per cent the BC Wildfire Service is looking for around 200 wildfire fighters for the summer of 2021.