Becoming a Volunteer Firefighter

Is this profession right for you?

• RDNO Fire Departments

  Here is some information on the Regional District of North Okanagan's three fire departments.

  RDNO Fire Departments

• Qualifications

  To apply you must:

  • Be at least 19 years of age (BX-Swan Lake), or 18 years of age (Lumby and District and Silver Star);  
  • Grade 12 education  (or still be in school if junior firefighter)
  • Have a valid BC Driver's License (class 5 or class 7)  - Please attach a copy of your ICBC driving record to your application;
  • Legally entitled to work in Canada;
  • Be physically and medically fit to perform the job of a firefighter according to the standards set in the National Fire Protection Association Standard (NFPA);
  • Consent to a criminal record check for vulnerable sector.

  To be hired, you must:

  • Participate in an interview;
  • Pass a medical exam by a physician;
  • Live in the catchment area for Lumby and District Fire Department.  Live in or near the catchment area for Silver Star Fire Department and BX-Swan Lake Fire Department;
  • Be fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Commitment

  As a paid-on-call firefighter you play an important role in providing emergency services to your community.  You will be expected to:

  • Respond to call-outs and medical emergencies (according to your level of training);
  • Participate in weekly practices;
  • Successfully complete a training program (approximately 120 hours); 
  • Partake in additional training as they are identified;
  • Engage in fire safety education in the community and public relations functions as required;
  • Refrain from behaviour that might reflect poorly upon the RDNO Fire Departments.
• Are volunteer firefighters paid?

  Yes, all three RDNO fire departments use a system that pays their firefighters based on their attendance to calls, meetings, training, and practices referred to as paid-on-call (POC) firefighters. All training and equipment are provided, including some exciting hands-on live fire training!

• Frequently Asked Questions

  FAQ

• Junior Firefighter

  The Lumby and District Fire Department operates with some junior firefighters.  The minimum age req/media/3504uirement for a junior firefighter is 16 years of age.  Additional qualifications and restrictions apply. 

  For more information download the recruitment package or email the Fire Chief,  Lumby and District Fire Department at Lumby.Chief@rdno.ca.  You are required to complete a permission form.

  Junior Firefighter Permission Form