You will help to prevent the loss of life or property due to fire, performing a variety of tasks including aircraft rescue, structural, wildland and shipboard fire fighting, automobile extrication, hazardous material, and confined space/high-angle rescue.

The primary purpose of a military Fire Fighter (FIRE FTR) is to prevent the loss of life or property due to fire. Personnel in this occupation serve in all three elements, performing a variety of tasks including aircraft rescue, structural, wildland and shipboard fire fighting, automobile extrication, hazardous material, and confined space/high-angle rescue. Fire investigation, fire prevention and life safety inspection are also areas of expertise.

• As a member of a fire attack team, perform rescue, extinguishment, ventilation, overhaul and forcible entry operations
• Drive and operate all types of structural, aircraft rescue and wildland fire fighting vehicles used on all Canadian Forces Bases/Wings
• Inspect and test all fixed fire suppression and detection systems within DND establishments
• Maintain Fire Department ancillary equipment such as ladders, hose, rope, breathing apparatus, extinguishers, personal protective equipment and all associated rescue equipment and vehicles
• Perform inspector duties, conduct inspections and project reviews, and provide recommendations and corrective measures
• Provide peer and public instruction and education
• Respond to hazardous material, automobile extrication, confined space and high-angle rescue situations
• Investigate fires
• Provide helicopter rescue and damage control services as a member of a fire fighting team while onboard HMC ships
• Provide maintenance to all fire fighting equipment while onboard HMC ships
• Respond as part of an Airfield Engineering Squadron (AES)
• Respond to aircraft cable engagements on Wings and be capable of providing Mobile Arrestor Gear (MAG) skills on deployment
• As Senior Fire Fighter, provide command and control at the site of a fire and function as Fire Chief on military bases, ships and army encampments
• Perform Emergency Medical Response (EMR)

FIRE FTRs must be physically strong and able to sustain physical effort for extended periods of time. They must be courageous, self-disciplined, and able to remain calm under stress. They require good reasoning skills, hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. They must also be able to function well as a member of a team.

The career of a Fire Fighter offers a variety of challenging opportunities. Fire Fighters serve with the Canadian Forces in Canada, onboard ship and in peacekeeping deployments. Personnel who demonstrate the required ability and ambition have the opportunity to progress to the position of Fire Chief.

Fire Fighters provide fire protection 24 hours a day on a rotational basis and are therefore provided with such necessities as classrooms and a physical fitness training room. Operations and maintenance of the Fire Department is normally based on a four platoon system, in addition to a day staff that includes the Fire Chief, Deputy Fire Chief and Inspectors. In order to respond to emergencies, Fire Fighters must function in all types of weather conditions and in dangerous situations. They are sometimes subjected to long hours of work and acute fatigue. The Fire Fighter’s working environment changes after the initial four years in a Fire Department. At that point in his or her career, the Fire Fighter must spend approximately three years as a Corporal, onboard HMC ships. During their career, FIRE FTRs will normally serve three tours in a naval environment. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Fire Fighters’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.