A region-wide firefighter recruitment drive is underway in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK).
The RDCK fire service operates 16 fire departments. Each is made up of volunteer firefighters, although recruits are paid a stipend for training and response hours.
Regional fire chief Tristan Fehst said each department usually has 30 or more volunteer firefighters, with each department having different needs, and some are hoping to onboard more recruits than others.
“Some departments such as Robson, Balfour-Harrop and Passmore currently have a waitlist but we are always looking for people to add to those lists due to ongoing attrition. Other departments that are more in need of new recruits include Kaslo, Pass Creek and Yahk-Kingsgate.”
Volunteer firefighters come from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels.
The RDCK provides all required training, so those without experience are encouraged to apply, though they must meet fitness standards.
“We are looking for people that are team and community focused who enjoy a challenge. Additionally, we are implementing a recruit fitness test so applicants need to demonstrate they meet the fitness requirements of the role,” said Fehst.
Training through the Regional Recruitment Academy occurs in the spring. It requires about 80 hours of combined in-person and online sessions.
Initial training takes place over three months and includes weekends at multiple locations throughout the region.
Afterward, recruits return to their departments to build on what they learned in the academy.
Beyond initial training, volunteer firefighters are expected to attend weekly training sessions of two to three hours. Additional training may also occur on weekends.
The time commitment for emergency response callouts varies.
Fehst said while volunteers are encouraged to attend callouts when possible, the regional fire service understands it is volunteer-based so other commitments may prevent someone from responding.
Applications are available on the RDCK website. The deadline is Dec. 31, 2025.
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