Volunteer Firefighter: Join New Brunswick's Bravest

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter in New Brunswick, you should contact your local fire department. While certification is not mandatory, it is advantageous to have it as it allows applicants to be tested and obtain certification in standards recognized in other provinces, territories, and internationally. To become a certified firefighter in New Brunswick, volunteers must undergo more than 150 hours of training, including a college program in fire protection technology, fire science, or a related field, as well as supervised practical training. Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided by the fire departments and vary in length depending on their requirements.

Contact your local fire department

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter in New Brunswick, the first step is to contact your local fire department. Each fire department will have its own specific application process, training requirements, and opportunities for prospective volunteer firefighters.

Many fire departments in New Brunswick rely solely on volunteers, and they are always looking for new recruits to join their ranks. You can typically find information about volunteer opportunities on your local fire department's website or by visiting the firehouse in person. Some departments may also offer virtual courses and online learning in combination with in-person practical sessions to fulfill the requirements for becoming a volunteer firefighter.

When you contact your local fire department, inquire about the specific requirements and application process. They may require you to complete an application form, participate in interviews, or undergo initial training or testing. Ask about the time commitment, the expected duration of the training, and any costs or equipment you will need to provide.

Additionally, ask about the physical fitness requirements and any necessary certifications. While certification is not mandatory in New Brunswick, obtaining it can enhance your skills and improve your chances of becoming a volunteer firefighter. The fire department can provide guidance on the certification process and the recognized standards.

By reaching out to your local fire department, you can gain a clear understanding of the expectations and requirements for volunteer firefighters in your community. They will be able to provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding volunteer opportunities and the steps you need to take to join their team.

Complete over 150 hours of training

To become a volunteer firefighter in New Brunswick, you must complete over 150 hours of training. This training is a combination of online learning and in-person practical sessions. The online learning component is designed to improve access to training, especially for those in rural areas. The practical sessions provide hands-on experience and ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges they will face as firefighters.

The training covers a range of topics, including firefighting techniques, emergency response procedures, and physical fitness. It is important to note that the specific requirements and curriculum may vary depending on the individual fire department and the needs of the community it serves.

During the training, you will learn about fire behaviour, fire suppression techniques, and how to use firefighting equipment, including hoses, nozzles, and fire extinguishers. You will also be trained in emergency medical care, as firefighters often respond to medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents. This training will cover basic first aid, CPR, and how to use defibrillators and other emergency medical equipment.

In addition to the technical skills, you will also develop important physical attributes such as agility, strength, and endurance. Firefighting is a physically demanding profession, and the training will prepare you for the rigorous tasks you may encounter on the job. This includes improving cardiovascular fitness, building muscular strength and endurance, and developing the agility needed to navigate through confined spaces and other challenging environments.

The training also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication. You will learn how to work effectively as a member of a fire crew, coordinating your efforts with your colleagues to tackle fires and other emergencies safely and efficiently. Effective communication is crucial in such high-stakes situations, and you will practice clear and concise communication techniques during your training.

Certification is not mandatory but can be advantageous

While certification is not a mandatory requirement to become a firefighter in New Brunswick, it can offer several advantages for aspiring volunteer firefighters.

Firstly, obtaining certification allows individuals to be tested and assessed against recognised standards, not only within the province but also in other territories and even internationally. This portability of qualifications can open doors to a wider range of opportunities and provide a pathway to working in other jurisdictions if desired.

The process of becoming certified also ensures that individuals have received comprehensive training. In New Brunswick, volunteers must undergo more than 150 hours of training to become certified firefighters. This training equips them with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle a variety of situations, from fires to medical emergencies. The training not only prepares individuals to respond effectively but also ensures their own safety and that of their colleagues.

Furthermore, certification demonstrates a commitment to the role and can enhance an individual's employability. Many fire departments value experience, and having certification can provide a competitive advantage when applying to join a department. It indicates a level of dedication, motivation, and proficiency that may set applicants apart from those without certification.

Additionally, the process of obtaining certification can provide a sense of personal accomplishment and pride. Achieving recognised standards and completing the required training can boost an individual's confidence in their abilities and preparedness to handle emergency situations. This confidence can be invaluable when responding to the challenges faced by firefighters.

Lastly, certification can contribute to professional development and provide a pathway for further growth. It demonstrates a foundation of knowledge and skills that can be built upon through additional training and education. By pursuing certification, individuals establish a solid base for future advancement within the field of firefighting and emergency response.

Physical agility, strength, fitness and vision requirements must be met

To become a volunteer firefighter in New Brunswick, you must meet the physical agility, strength, fitness, and vision requirements. Firefighting is a physically demanding profession, and firefighters must be able to perform strenuous physical activities for extended periods in heated environments.

To prepare for the physical demands of recruit training and a firefighting career, it is recommended that you have already committed to life-long fitness and self-improvement in the following areas:

• Muscle strength and power
• Cardiovascular endurance
• Healthy body composition
• Fundamental movement techniques (pushing, pulling, lifting, squatting, lunging, carrying, and dragging)

In addition to regular physical agility testing, you will also be required to participate in daily physical conditioning. This may include:

• Running 10 towers in full turnouts (1 tower is 6 flights)
• Tower circuit in full turnouts: 6th Floor - 10 pushups; 3rd Floor - 20 bodyweight squats; 1st Floor - 5 burpees; repeat the circuit 6-10 times
• Circuit training, one minute at each station: Station 1 - Sledgehammer the tire; Station 2 - Wall ball shots; Station 3 - Renegade rows; Station 4 - Bear crawl 100 feet; Station 6 - Run a tower carrying a hose bundle; repeat the circuit 4-5 times

You will also need to pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT), which includes eight separate stations that simulate events at a fire scene. The CPAT assesses your ability to perform essential tasks at emergency scenes and measures your minimum physical fitness level. The CPAT includes the following events:

• Stair climb: This event simulates climbing stairs in full protective clothing while carrying a high-rise pack (hose bundle). You will wear two 12.5-pound weights on your shoulders and walk on a StepMill at a set rate for 3 minutes.
• Hose drag: You will drag an uncharged hose 75 feet, make a 90-degree turn, and continue for an additional 25 feet. You must keep at least one knee in contact with the ground and stay within the marked boundary lines.
• Equipment carry: You will remove two saws from a tool cabinet, carry them 75 feet around a drum, and then return them to the cabinet. This event simulates carrying power tools from a fire apparatus to an emergency scene.
• Ladder raise and extension: You will raise a 24-foot ladder until it is stationary against a wall, and then extend the fly section hand over hand. This event simulates placing a ground ladder at a fire structure and extending it to the roof or window.
• Forcible entry: Using a 10-pound sledgehammer, you will strike a measuring device until a buzzer is activated. This event simulates using force to open a locked door or breach a wall.
• Search: You will crawl through a tunnel maze with obstacles and narrowed spaces. This event simulates searching for a fire victim with limited visibility.
• Rescue: You will drag a 165-pound mannequin 35 feet, make a 180-degree turn, and continue for an additional 35 feet. This event simulates removing a victim or injured partner from a fire scene.
• Ceiling breach and pull: Using a pike pole, you will push up a hinged door in the ceiling and then pull down on a ceiling device. This event simulates breaching and pulling down a ceiling to check for fire extension.

Overall, it is important to maintain good physical health and fitness to meet the demands of being a volunteer firefighter in New Brunswick.

You must be over 18

If you are over 18 and interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter in New Brunswick, you should contact your local Fire Department. There are over 4,000 volunteer firefighters in New Brunswick, and they are always looking for more recruits to join their ranks.

Volunteer firefighters in New Brunswick must undergo more than 150 hours of training, including a lengthy firefighter course of over 200 hours to become a firefighter level one. This training can now be completed online, in combination with in-person practical sessions. Firefighting and emergency medical care training courses are provided and vary in length depending on the requirements of different fire departments or services.

While certification is not mandatory to become a firefighter in New Brunswick, it is available to those who wish to obtain it. The New Brunswick Firefighter Certification Program allows applicants to be tested and obtain certification in various standards that are recognized in other provincial, territorial, and international jurisdictions.

To be eligible for a position as a volunteer firefighter, you must have completed secondary school. A college program in fire protection technology, fire science, or a related field, along with a period of supervised practical training, is usually required. Physical agility, strength, fitness, and vision requirements must also be met.

Frequently asked questions