Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine

Volunteer exterior firefighters are responsible for responding to emergency calls and providing firefighting services for their community. This can be a physically demanding position, and they must be able to work well as part of a team and be able to think quickly under pressure.

Time commitment:

- Be available 24/7 when in community or on rotation schedule if there are sufficient number of firefighters available.

- Attend weekly training for 2-3 hours to maintain competency plus time to respond to calls.

- Meet the expectation of 70% attendance to ensure everyone has the necessary training, which may include some weekends or out of town travel for special opportunities.

Volunteer firefighters will also:

- Receive training to the Minimum Level of Exterior (rural setting authority having jurisdiction)

- Must be able to meet the physical demands of firefighting, including the safe use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

- Work in the HOT zone and hazardous areas, are not to enter structure fires.

- Document all actions as required on iPad or other electronic devices.

- A criminal record check is required.

Team Lead Time Commitment:

- Be available 24/7 when in community or on rotation schedule if there are sufficient number of firefighters available.

- Attend weekly training for 2-3 hours to maintain competency plus time to respond to calls.

- Meet the expectation of 70% attendance to ensure everyone has the necessary training, which may include some weekends or out of town travel for special opportunities.

Team Leads also:

- Will be required to perform all duties of an Exterior Firefighter.

- Will be trained to the minimum level of Team Leader, as part of the Minimum Training standards.

- Ensure overall safety of the firefighters by providing scene control, risk management, incident command. 

- Facilitate training and practice nights; the RDKS Fire Chief will support and provide lesson plans. 

- Ensure proper documentation is completed after events

- Address local concerns on behalf of the RDKS, and escalate as needed depending on capacity. 

- Act as the local representative of the Department on behalf of the RDKS

- Ensure operational readiness of the fire hall, delegate tasks, report deficiencies. 

- Document all actions as required on iPad or other electronic devices.

If firefighting isn't for you but you're still interested in volunteering with the Fire Department, there's a place for you! We still need volunteers to fill positions like Dispatcher, Driver, and Maintenance. 

Dispatcher Time Commitment

• Available 24/7 when in community or on rotation schedule if sufficient dispatchers are available.
• Carry a radio to answer incoming calls from the public on the emergency line during a scheduled period of time (for example, for a week but scheduling can be flexible).
• When “on duty”, stay within the Dease Lake fire protection area and in areas with good radio coverage.

Dispatcher Duties

• Document emergency call information.
• Dispatch crews with the information from the emergency caller over the radio and other electronic communications platforms.
• Request support from other agencies (RCMP, BCEHS, BC Hydro, Northwest Tel, Lakes District Maintenance, etc.).
• Strong documentation and communication skills are required.
• Document all actions as required on iPad or other electronic devices.
• Training and mentorship will be provided.

Driver Time Commitment

• Available 24/7 when in community or on rotation schedule if a sufficient number of drivers are available.
• Participate in regular training relevant to volunteer role (frequency to be determined) plus time to respond to calls.
• Expectation of 70% attendance in required training

Driver Duties

• Not required to be front line firefighters, but some basic firefighting knowledge is required.
• Air brake qualifications required
• Operate a large fire truck in a safe and effective manner (Training provided - 1002)
• Operate truck mounted fire pump (Training provided - 1002)
• Winter driving experience 
• Clear driving record
• Basic mechanical knowledge
• Perform weekly truck checks to ensure operational readiness and report any deficiencies 
• Document all actions as required on iPad or other electronic devices
• Medical costs will be reimbursed 

Maintenance Time Commitment

• Position is very flexible – duties can be shared and the frequency of tasks can be scheduled according to priority
• Estimated 2-3 hours per week, depending on needs and scheduling.

Maintenance Duties

• Not required to be front line firefighters.
• Assist with fire hall clean up duties (including snow removal, garbage collection, etc.).
• Conduct weekly inspections of the Fire Hall buildings and report deficiencies.
• Monitor snow removal contractors, ensure safe entry to buildings in the winter.
• Support truck and equipment checks, as available.
• Document all actions as required on iPad or other electronic devices.
• Some mechanical and building maintenance knowledge would be an asset; training will be provided.
• May require working in extreme outdoor environments from time to time.

1. Fill out the online fillable application form and email it to [email protected]. 
2. Or, print, fill out, and scan the print application form, and email it to the same email as above.
3. Contact the RDKS at 250-615-6100 with any questions!