About the Department

Contact Information

Kitimat Fire & Rescue Services
1101 Kingfisher Street
Kitimat, BC
V8C 2N4

Phone: 911 (Emergency calls only)
Phone: 250-632-8940 (Non-emergency calls)

Employment Opportunities and Requirements

Applicants must possess the following minimum requirements:

• Secondary School Graduation
• BCAS Paramedic Level 1 or higher
• BC Class 3 & 4 Driver's License with Air Brake endorsement

Preference will be given to those candidates with the following:

• NFPA 1001 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualification Level I & II
• Work experience related to firefighting and/or pre-hospital care

The selection process will include the following:

• Medical Fitness (medical exam, fitness and agility test)
• Aptitude Test
• Security Clearance and Criminal Record Check

Please contact Kitimat Fire & Rescue Services at 250-632-8940 for information regarding current employment opportunities.

Organization

The Kitimat Fire & Rescue Services Department consists of fourteen Fire Fighters, four Fire Captains, and one of each of the following: Clerk Dispatcher, Emergency Planner, Deputy Chief, and Chief.

Services

Kitimat Fire and Rescue Services personnel perform five functions: pre-hospital emergency care, fire prevention and public education, fire suppression, rescue, and hazard mitigation. See below for function details.

Pre-Hospital Emergency Care

All members of the Department fill two professional roles: firefighter and primary care paramedic. As a result, the Kitimat station has one of the fastest response times in the province.

Members of the Department strive for excellence in medical education by participating in annual courses offered alongside BC Ambulance Service personnel.

Fire Prevention and Public Education

The Department maintains an effective fire prevention and public education program. Initiatives include: spring clean up, training efforts with local industry and CN Rail, the Risk Watch program in elementary schools, commercial inspections, and business consultation to ensure properties meet Fire Code standards.

Fire Suppression

The Department responds to fire-related calls with fast and effective fire suppression service. In 2008, 129 calls were handled for a total dollar loss of $7.6 million.

Fire suppression activities also involve up-keep of firefighter skills and equipment. Ongoing training ensures that firefighters maintain their skill level to meet WCB regulations.

Safety and personal protection is promoted and strived for throughout all training activities to reinforce natural behaviour in emergency situations.

Rescue

Kitimat firefighters train to comply with NFPA standards and WCB regulations for confined space, auto extrication, rapid intervention team, and high angle rescue. These skills are used in industrial, municipal and public emergency situations.

Rescue teams are also utilized during specific municipal and industrial projects. Past examples include: the pool retrofit, bridge maintenance, and Methanex tank repairs.

Hazard Mitigation

The Department maintains a close working and training relationship with local industries.  The Department partners with local area Fire Services to investigate major incidents (natural disasters, hazmat events, and major fires).