Become a FireRanger

About FireRangers

FireRangers are Ontario’s forest firefighting crews working to protect the forests, people and communities.

Being a FireRanger is a rewarding but physically demanding job. Ontario FireRangers are trained and certified at the Type I crew level, the highest level. This means they can carry out all aspects of firefighting, including:

• initial attack: the action taken to halt the spreading or potential spread of a fire by the first firefighting force to arrive at the fire
• sustained attack: the continued action of suppressing a fire beyond the initial attack, until so far as it is under control
• mop-up: the act of extinguishing a fire after it has been deemed under control

As well as fighting forest fires, Ontario FireRangers participate in:

• fire prevention
• equipment maintenance
• training
• resource management projects such as clearing brush or trees that could be a fire hazard

Who is eligible

You are eligible if you:

• are 18 years of age or older
• speak English

You also need to successfully complete the following training:

• Canadian Physical Performance Exchange Standard for Type I Wildland Firefighters (WFX-FIT)
• SP100 Wildland Firefighter Training Course
• standard first aid (St. John’s, Red Cross or equivalent)

Note: while specific training and certification are required, successful completion does not guarantee candidates will be hired.

Individuals who are successfully hired will receive additional on-the-job training in:

• health, safety and workplace hazardous material information system (WHMIS)
• transportation of dangerous goods
• chainsaw use
• workplace discrimination and harassment prevention training (WHDP)

How to apply

You can now apply online to become a FireRanger.

By applying early, you'll secure your spot in the process. You can update your information in our system later if needed.

Once you submit your application, look for a confirmation email in your inbox.

Deadline

Applications are accepted annually, between November 1 and April 15.

Hiring usually takes place annually, between February and May.

Selection process

Step 1: Your application is entered into a central data bank, which all Fire Management Headquarters have access to. You can update your application at any time.

Step 2: Each Fire Management Headquarters reviews the submitted applications.

Your application is reviewed to determine:

• if you meet the mandatory hiring requirements
• if you have included your references

You will have an opportunity to provide us with more information, such as your work history, education and any specialized certifications you possess, on the FireRanger employment application.

Step 3: Leading candidates are contacted by telephone for follow-up interviews.

Step 4: Successful candidates are notified. If you receive a follow-up interview, but fail to get a position, you can be put on a supplementary firefighter list. You will receive additional training and be eligible for on-call work.

Ontario employs up to 800 FireRangers across the province each fire season. The number of new recruits varies based on the number of returning FireRanger staff each fire season.

Fire crews usually work from late April or early May to the end of August, with some staff working into September depending on fire activity.

Type II firefighter

If you are not hired as an Ontario FireRanger, you may be able to get a job as a Type II firefighter with a private company. You will need to apply directly with each company.

Type II crews conduct sustained attack and mop-up. Crews are hired as needed during the summer when fires are active.

Private companies fill about 240 positions each year in Ontario, with the number of new recruits varying each year.

During periods of escalated fire activity, the ministry hires extra FireRanger crews, warehouse and other support staff and seeks support from private companies and their Type II fire crews.

Type II firefighter service providers

Type II contracts have been awarded for the next fire season to the following private companies who hire and provide fire crews.

Southern Zone Contractors

Geraldton Community Forests Inc.
P.O. Box 400
Geraldton ON P0T 1M0
Contact: Cory Nephin

Outland Camps Inc.
627 Squier St
Thunder Bay ON P7B 4A7
Tel: 807-345-3534 ext. 222
Fax: 807-346-4212
Contact: Jennifer Morrison

Northern Zone Contractors

Geraldton Community Forests Inc.
P.O. Box 400
Geraldton ON P0T 1M0
Contact: Cory Nephin

Geraldton Community Forests provides support in Eabametoong (Fort Hope) and Webequie.

Outland Camps Inc.
627 Squier St
Thunder Bay ON P7B 4A7
Tel: 807-345-3534 ext. 222
Fax: 807-346-4212
Contact: Jennifer Morrison

Outland provides support in Sandy Lake, Polar Hill, Nibinamik (Summer Beaver), Pikangikum and Wunnumin Lake.