Firefighter – Vancouver (BC) – 2026

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) employs over 800 people who respond to a wide variety of emergency and non-emergency incidents, including fires, motor vehicle accidents and medical situations. VFRS operates 20 firehalls, one training academy and two fire prevention offices across the city.

Applications are open. The City of Vancouver states that applications “will be open until vacancies are filled”, so this is a rolling intake rather than a fixed window — but the assessment stages run to a published schedule.

Published 2026 hiring dates (City of Vancouver):

• Written exam — September 16, 22 and 23, 2026
• Ride-alongs — September 22–23 and September 28–29, 2026
• Second interview — October 5–23, 2026
• Panel interviews — October 1 to December 14, 2026

Earlier stages in this cycle have already run: panel interviews July 6 – August 13, VPAST on August 20, psychometric testing (Calian) August 24 – September 11, and firefighter suitability days on August 27 and September 3. VFRS notes that dates can change, so confirm against the City’s own page before booking anything.

Salary (annual, as published for 2026): $86,290 for the first six months, rising to $123,265 at the start of the 4th year, $126,998 at the start of the 10th year and $130,669 at the start of the 15th year.

Before you apply, read the City’s qualifications page in full — VFRS sets out its entry requirements, hiring process and conditions of employment there: Review the VFRS qualifications.

Details above were read from vancouver.ca on September 19, 2026. The City’s own posting always governs.

• Fire Suppression and Control:
  • Respond to fire alarms and emergency calls promptly.
  • Extinguish fires using appropriate techniques and equipment, including hoses, pumps, and extinguishers.
  • Conduct search and rescue operations in burning buildings and other fire situations.
  • Ventilate smoke-filled areas to improve visibility and air quality.
• Medical Response:
  • Provide emergency medical care, including first aid, CPR, and use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
  • Assist paramedics and other medical personnel at emergency scenes.
  • Transport patients when necessary.
• Rescue Operations:
  • Perform rescues in a variety of emergency situations, such as vehicle accidents, water rescues, and confined space rescues.
  • Use specialized rescue tools and techniques to free trapped individuals.
• Fire Prevention and Education:
  • Conduct fire safety inspections of buildings and properties to ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations.
  • Educate the public on fire prevention, safety practices, and emergency preparedness.
  • Participate in community outreach programs and events to promote fire safety awareness.
• Equipment and Maintenance:
  • Operate and maintain firefighting equipment, including fire trucks, hoses, ladders, and breathing apparatus.
  • Conduct regular checks and maintenance of equipment to ensure readiness.
  • Keep fire stations clean and organized.
• Training and Development:
  • Participate in ongoing training to maintain and enhance firefighting and emergency response skills.
  • Attend regular drills, exercises, and educational sessions.
  • Stay updated on new techniques, equipment, and protocols in firefighting and emergency response.

You should be:

• Physically fit and well coordinated
• Highly motivated
• Willing to work cooperatively as part of a team
• Committed to continuous learning
• Dedicated to helping others

Vancouver Fire Rescue Services members serve a diverse population. The ability to speak languages in addition to English and socialize within different cultures is helpful.

Your application must meet these required qualifications to pass to the next step in our recruitment process:

1. Transcripts demonstrating high school- or GED-completion (not your diploma).
   • High school transcripts from educational institutions outside of North America must be accredited by a Canadian accreditation service, written in English, and officially notarized before submission.
2. Current driver's abstract (dated no more than 45 days prior to the application closing date). The abstract should demonstrate responsible and safe driving behavior. A current record with:
   • Infractions on your driver's abstract within the last five years for driving under the influence (DUI) will eliminate applicants from consideration
   • More than six points may eliminate an application from further consideration in the process
   • A 24 hour roadside prohibition within the last two years may eliminate an applicant from further consideration
3. A valid Class 3 Driver's License (or higher) with air brake endorsement or equivalent for vehicles with more than two axles (automatic transmission is accepted). Equivalent licenses from other Canadian Provinces or Territories are acceptable.

Applications without these qualifications will be accepted. However, you will be required to obtain these qualifications by either:

• Time of official job offer
• Time of hire

Which date will be at the discretion of the Fire Department. Contact BC Driver Services for equivalency clarification at 1-250-978-8300.

1. Two years of accumulated work experience after the completion of highschool
2. Valid BC Emergency Medical Assistance Licensing Board (EMALB) Licence in one of the following:
   • First Responder (FR) with schedule two endorsements
   • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
   • Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)
   • Advance Care Paramedic (ACP)

Provide a legible copy of the letter from EMALB stating you hold a valid licence, including your license number. If you have the older style card license, include both front and back of the license.

Applicants must be licensed in BC. You may contact EMALB External web site, opens in new tab to enquire about transferring your qualifications.

The First aid license must be maintained throughout the application process.

Newly hired firefighters will have the option to maintain their current level of EMALB First-Aid Licensing throughout their term of employment. This is for EMR, PCP or ACP EMALB First-Aid License holders and will be facilitated through VFRS.

Applications without these qualifications will be accepted. However, you will be required to obtain these qualifications by either:

• Time of official job offer
• Time of hire

Which date will be at the discretion of the Fire Department.

1. Legal entitlement to work in Canada must be shown by submitting a clear copy of one of the following:
   • Canadian Birth Certificate
   • Canadian Passport
   • Current Permanent Resident card
   • Current Landed Immigrant card

 A work visa is not acceptable.

1. Vision and hearing that meet the criteria in NFPA 1582 chapter 6:
   • Color vision safe
   • 20/30 corrected binocular vision and 20/100 uncorrected binocular vision or better
   • Normal hearing without artificial aids

Applicants will be assessed during the medical screening stage for these requirements.

1. Completion of NFPA 1001, Level I and II with appropriate IFSAC or Pro Board Seals. For a list of accredited fire academies, see:​
   • www.ifsac.org External web site, opens in new tab
   • www.TheProBoard.org External web site, opens in new tab

Applications without these qualifications will be accepted. However, you will be required to obtain these qualifications by either:

• Time of official job offer
• Time of hire

Which date will be at the discretion of the Fire Department.

 The written exam will contain NFPA 1001 level one and two course content. Applicants without their NFPA are encouraged to self-study the NFPA material in preparation for the exam.

1. No job related conviction of a criminal or summary offense for which you have not received a pardon

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These additional skills and experiences will enhance your application, but do not replace the minimum qualifications.

1. Past experience in emergency services
   • Fire
   • Forest fire service
   • Police
   • Coast guard
   • EMS
   • Military
   • Nursing
   • Search and rescue
2. Practical experience transferable to areas of firefighting:
   • Trades
   • Previous firefighting experience (structural or forestry)
   • Military service
   • College- or university-level academic studies
   • Knowledge of different cultures
   • Fluency in languages other than English
   • Advanced medical training (Paramedic PCP/ACP, EMT, EMR, Nursing)
   • Heavy-equipment operator
   • Coaching, teaching, or instructional experience
   • Truck-driving tandem-axle vehicles with a Class 1 or 3 Driver's License
   • Ability to swim, with related lifesaving and rescue certificates
   • Valid British Columbia Class 4 Driver's License
   • Volunteer experience and community involvement
   • Demonstrated athletic or physical capabilities and achievements
   • Knowledge and ability to work effectively with computers, computer programs, and software
   • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment
   • Completion of other fire-service related courses or programs

• Benefits:
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and pension plans.
  • Opportunities for career advancement and specialization.
• Diversity and Inclusion:
  • VFRS is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.
• Application Process:
  • Applicants will undergo a series of assessments, including written tests, physical fitness evaluations, medical examinations, and interviews.
  • Successful candidates must complete a probationary period and participate in ongoing training and development.
• Application Instructions:
  • Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and copies of relevant certifications to VFRS Application Portal by the specified deadline. Please ensure all documents are in PDF format and clearly labelled.

Join us in our mission to protect and serve the City of Vancouver. Apply today and become a part of our dedicated team!