The Courtenay Volunteer Fire Department is looking for new recruits for the 2026-2027 training year and is hosting an open house on May 28 for those interested in learning more.
Volunteer applications are now open and anyone thinking about applying is welcome to visit the Courtenay Fire Hall at 650 Cumberland Road on Thursday, May 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. The open house offers an opportunity to meet the team, ask questions and find out what it’s like to join this progressive, inclusive, highly trained department.
The department hopes to recruit about 12 volunteers for the next training year. Applications close on June 5. Medical and fitness testing will take place in early June, followed by interviews. Successful recruits will officially begin training in September. The program runs for 12 months and culminates with graduates achieving professional firefighter NFPA 1001 Level 2.
Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Welsh says the department is looking forward to meeting interested recruits. “We’re proud of our team, our training, and the facilities we’re able to offer,” said Welsh. “Our program gives recruits the skills they need to earn professional firefighter certification in just one year — the same standard used by fire departments across North America. We encourage anyone interested in firefighting to come to our open house. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and get a real sense of what it’s like to be part of our department.”
To be eligible, recruits must be City of Courtenay residents or reside in the Courtenay Fire Protection District, be at least 18 years old, hold a valid B.C. driver’s licence and be willing to get a current driver’s abstract and criminal record check. Candidates must also be in good physical condition and commit to weekly Tuesday night training sessions.
Training takes place at the Courtenay Fire Hall and the W.A. Lane MacDonald Fire Training Centre on Waters Place, with some specialized training conducted off-site.
Over the 12-month training period, recruits will learn:
- Confined space
- Auto extrication
- Live firefighting
- First responder medical
- Self-rescue techniques
- Wildfire
- Hazardous materials
For more information, including how to apply, visit courtenay.ca/fire or call 250-334-2513.