How we work with rural and remote firefighters

Rural and remote firefighters are self-organized groups who have signed up to support BCWS activities during wildfires.  

On this page

• Understand the role of a rural and remote firefighter
• How BCWS is working with rural and remote firefighters
• Apply for funding
• Other ways to help

Understand the role of a rural and remote firefighter

Wildfires significantly affect rural and remote areas. This has prompted many local groups to ask how they can get involved in response efforts.

Often, these groups are made up of individuals with expertise in forestry and emergency response. Their local knowledge and strong community ties allows them to provide specific services that are essential to their community's unique needs. 

Under the Wildfire Act, BCWS can hire temporary employees to help with wildfire-related activities, including self-organized groups in rural and remote areas. Self-organized groups include local societies, associations and fire brigades who are located outside of fire protection areas, are ready to operate under BCWS guidance and meet our training and safety standards. 

Rural and remote firefighters may only be activated when there are no more available BCWS or contract crews available in the area.

Responsibilities

Rural and remote firefighters must carry out all activities under the supervision and guidance of BCWS. BCWS does not authorize rural and remote firefighter groups to voluntarily respond to a wildfire. 

The BCWS designate will assign roles based on the group's experience and training. Groups may be asked to support activities such as:

• Expediting resources, like personnel, equipment and supplies
• Mopping-up. For example, cooling ash pits 
• Patrolling areas to prevent potential flare-ups

Without explicit direction from BCWS, rural and remote firefighters are not permitted to:

• Suppress wildfire
• Enter or remain in an area that's under an evacuation order
• Move or re-deploy BCWS resources 
• Be paid to conduct FireSmart activities

Note: Structural Protection and Defense is not included in the rural and remote firefighter model. Individuals or groups interested in participating in structural firefighting and protection within buildings and other structures should consider joining a local volunteer fire department. 

Handling fire-related hazards

BCWS does not authorize, train or provide equipment to rural and remote firefighters to manage fires that involve structures, vehicles or waste disposal sites. Dispatched emergency firefighters are to stay away from these fires to avoid the danger of exploding items, toxic smoke and ash. 

If rural and remote firefighters observe a wildfire involving a power line, they must not attempt to suppress it. Rural and remote firefighters should immediately inform their fire centre, so they can dispatch authorized utility company personnel to verify that the line has been de-energized. 

How BCWS is working with rural and remote firefighters

Eligible organized groups must meet minimum training and safety requirements in order to be engaged in fire response. When there is safe, low-complexity work in a local area, the BC Wildfire Service may activate local response groups.

Criteria met by participating groups

In order to be activated for response, groups must:

• Be an incorporated business entity, such as a non-profit society or fire brigade, that is able to receive funding and has an accountable leadership structure
• Be outside of structural fire protection jurisdiction, meaning the community group is not covered by the services of a municipal or established fire department
• Demonstrate a genuine desire to participate
• Be willing to follow the command and direction of the BC Wildfire Service

Each member of the group must meet the following requirements:

• Be 19 years old or older
• Complete training in:
  • S-100 Basic Fire Suppression and Safety (mandatory)
  • S-185 Fire Entrapment Avoidance (mandatory)
  • ICS-100 Incident Command System Level 100 (mandatory)
  • FireSmart 101 Online (recommended)
  • Wildfire Risk Reduction (recommended)
  • First Aid (recommended)
• Have the following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), for which reimbursement from BCWS isn't provided: 
  • One WorkSafe BC approved hard hat that has a chinstrap and approved hearing protection
  • One high visibility vest when working around heavy equipment 
  • One pair of work gloves
  • One pair of Canada Safety Association (CSA) certified safety eyewear for working around helicopters, foam or hose nozzles 
  • One pair of footwear appropriate for the work conditions, with coverage above the ankle. These cannot have nylon fabric or be running shoes 
  • Flame resistant, non-synthetic clothing that meets CAN/CGSB 155.22-2014 (or 97) or NFPA 1977 standards. Clothing cannot be red in colour
  • One 4 inch compress dressing 
• Complete and pass a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
• Be free from impairment of drugs and/or alcohol 
• Have the mental and emotional capacity to perform the services
• Agree to abide by the Standards of Conduct for BC Public Service employees

How BCWS activates participating groups