The Province of British Columbia is boosting its wildfire preparedness for 2025 by welcoming back experienced wildland firefighters and training new recruits, following an unprecedented surge in applications. Since October 2024, the BC Wildfire Service has received over 1,700 applications, the highest number ever, including a record 578 in January alone.
Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, praised the bravery and commitment of the BC Wildfire Service members. “The heart of our wildfire efforts is hands down the brave members of the BC Wildfire Service,” he said. Parmar recently visited the Merritt Fire Zone training facility to meet with staff and discuss progress.
In addition to traditional recruitment, B.C. is enhancing wildfire response by expanding participation from rural and remote communities. Starting in April 2025, the province will offer dedicated training boot camps for First Nations communities, strengthening local capacity and wildfire response.
The BC Wildfire Service has already supported wildfire efforts in California, furthering collaboration and preparedness. The province remains committed to preventing wildfires, improving response efforts, and working with communities to reduce wildfire risk.
For more information about recruitment, visit BC Wildfire Fighters.
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