No Lack Of Interest In Forest Firefighting Jobs
Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at 13:25
Officials with Saskatchewan Environment say their recent call for emergency firefighters for the upcoming forest fire season was a huge success.
Spokesman Glen Longpre says the department was looking for at least 2,000 new Type 3 firefighters, and received an “overwhelming response” from across the province.
He notes the department typically doesn’t advertise for this position as much as it did this spring, so it’s difficult to make comparisons with previous years.
Longpre says Saskatchewan experiences a bad forest fire season every 3 to 5 years, and the province is due for a very busy season any year now.
As a result, he says his department needs to rebuild its emergency firefighter capacity.
Type 3 firefighters are called in as needed throughout the summer months.
He says because the Type 3 training program will not be delivered until May or June, the department is still accepting anyone who is interested in becoming a firefighter for the summer.
He says while it’s a tough job and not for everyone, almost anyone with a good physical fitness level and is at least 16 years of age can apply.
New recruits have to pass a five-day wildfire crew member course. Returnees must attend a two-hour safety lecture each year before returning to their duties.
Anyone still wanting to sign up is encouraged to contact their nearest Saskatchewan Environment forest protection office.