The BC Wildfire Service will host three information sessions in the Cariboo Fire Centre for Grade 12 students interested in participating in the Junior Fire Crew Program during the 2020 fire season.
Students who are accepted into this program will acquire basic firefighting skills, learn how to write résumés and prepare for job interviews, gain WorkSafeBC first aid and transportation
endorsement certifications, complete wildfire-related training courses, and receive high school credits. Every participant will gain valuable experience that will help them pursue a variety of employment opportunities.
Applicants must be Grade 12 students who are physically fit, team-oriented and willing to work outdoors in remote locations. At the end of the program, some students will be offered jobs working on a BC Wildfire Service fire crew for two to four months next summer. Students who wish to apply for next year’s Junior Fire Crew Program must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when attending one of the following meetings:
100 Mile House
• Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
• Peter Skene Ogden Secondary, 200 7th Street, 100 Mile House
• Students interested in applying for the Junior Fire Crew Program in 100 Mile House or Williams Lake must attend either this session or the session in Williams Lake in order to be considered.
• For additional information, contact Eric Kopetski at the Cariboo Fire Centre (see contact info below) or David Corbett at School District No. 27.
Williams Lake
• Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
• Lake City Secondary, 640 Carson Drive, Williams Lake
• Students interested in applying for the Junior Fire Crew Program in Williams Lake or 100 Mile House must attend either this session or the session in 100 Mile House in order to be considered.
Quesnel
• Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
• Correlieu Secondary School, 850 Anderson Drive, Quesnel
• Attendance at this information session is not required for students who want to apply for the Junior Fire Crew Program in Quesnel, but it is strongly encouraged.
• For additional information, contact Matt Duran in Quesnel (see contact information below) or Earl Tourangeau at School District No. 28.
The Junior Fire Crew Program is a partnership between the BC Wildfire Service and school districts throughout the province. The Cariboo Fire Centre’s program was established in 1998 and many alumni are still active in the province’s firefighting crews. Other participants have gone on to fill senior positions within the BC Wildfire Service. Firefighting is a unique job and a great opportunity for people interested in challenging themselves mentally and physically, seeing some of the most spectacular locations in the province, and working with a great group of dedicated people who are passionate about what they do. During the winter, seasonal firefighters can pursue other activities such as post-secondary education or travelling.
Junior Fire Crew Program contacts:
Eric Kopetski
Crew Coordinator
BC Wildfire Service
Cariboo Fire Centre
Office: 778 799-2091
Matt Duran
Wildfire Assistant
BC Wildfire Service
Quesnel Fire Zone
Office: 250 992-2146
