Volunteer firefighter duties
Volunteer firefighters are compensated for attending training, emergencies, and station duties.
Volunteer firefighters are responsible for a variety of duties including, but not limited to:
- Responding to calls for rescue and fire emergencies which may include working within hazardous environments when fighting fires, taking part in several rescue scenarios, and administering medical aid
- Participating in regular training and maintenance work of the fire station and equipment
- Working within a chain of command management structure, making decisions as well as to adhering to orders and direction
- Participating in public education opportunities and supporting local community events
Qualifications
- All applicants must be 18 years or older at time of application
- All applicants must have a valid G Ontario driver’s license at time of application
- All applicants must live or work in an area served by a volunteer fire station
Volunteer firefighter application
Before you begin
As part of the application package, please include the following
- Copy of your résumé/CV
- Cover letter
- Copy of any relevant certificates and/or diplomas
Apply
Applications are accepted year-round. Submit a volunteer firefighter application to be considered for the Spring 2023 session.
Volunteer firefighter application process
The application process consists of 3 stages:
- Prerequisites
- Interview
- Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT)
Successful candidates will receive a letter of offer once all 3 stages are completed and documentation is received.
Stage 1: Prerequisites
Security check
A current vulnerable sector criminal record check
Driver profile/abstract
A 5-year abstract, available at any Service Ontario Center
Stage 2: Interview
Interviews are scheduled as required.
Stage 3: Candidate physical ability test (CPAT)
All volunteer firefighter candidates are expected to complete the candidate physical ability test. A CPAT preparation guide is available to assist candidates to be physically prepared for the test.
CPAT process:
- Orientation for candidate physical ability test (orientation sessions are scheduled on weekends and evenings to accommodate the volunteer candidates)
- Medical clearance form completed by a physician
The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) preparation guide
- Physical Fitness in the Fire Services
- Video: CPAT (Candidate Physical Ability Test)
- General principles of exercise
- General principles of exercise (2)
- Stretches
- Stretches (2)
- Exercises without weights
- Exercises without weights (2)
- Weight training circuit workout
- Weight training circuit workout (2)
- Weight training circuit workout (3)
- Supplemental task-specific exercise training
- Supplemental task-specific exercise training (2)