National

Would-Be Firefighters Flood B.C. Wildfire Service With Applications

The Canadian Press, 27 Jan, 2016 01:23 PM

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — There is no shortage of candidates to fill the estimated 200 vacant positions expected this summer with the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Provincial information officer Kevin Skrepnek says just under 1,500 applications were received by the Jan. 24 deadline.

He says the number is above average, exceeding applications received in 2015.

But Skrepnek notes submissions usually climb in the year following a busy fire season.

More than 1,800 blazes were recorded during what the Wildfire Service calls a "major" season in 2015, with homes lost in Rock Creek and Puntzi Lake, while total fire fighting costs topped $282-million.

Successful 2016 Wildfire Service applicants must first survive a rigorous interview and screening process before being invited to boot camps slated for Merritt in April and May.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Sophon Sek Sentenced To Less Than A Year For Role In B.C. 'Surrey Six' Gang Murders

Sophon Sek pleaded guilty Friday in B.C. Supreme Court to break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence for his part in the so-called Surrey Six slayings.

Sophon Sek Sentenced To Less Than A Year For Role In B.C. 'Surrey Six' Gang Murders

RCMP Called To Investigate Victoria Police Chief, Who Volunteers To 'Step Aside'

Victoria's police chief has stepped aside after an investigation into his social-media conduct with the wife of one of his officers escalated into allegations of breach of trust and discreditable conduct.

RCMP Called To Investigate Victoria Police Chief, Who Volunteers To 'Step Aside'

8 Arrested During March In Downtown Montreal

Montreal police say they arrested one woman and seven men on charges ranging from uttering death threats, assault with a weapon, obstructing police and intimidation.

8 Arrested During March In Downtown Montreal

Improving Public Access To Information Will Make Government Better: Justin Trudeau

OTTAWA — Ensuring Canadians have access to federal information will mean more — and sometimes difficult — public scrutiny, but ultimately it will lead to better government, the prime minister says.

Improving Public Access To Information Will Make Government Better: Justin Trudeau

Dennis Oland Found Guilty Of Second-Degree Murder In Father's Death

Oland began crying and saying, "Oh my God," after the verdict was read Saturday in a Saint John court. He also could be heard saying, "My children."

Dennis Oland Found Guilty Of Second-Degree Murder In Father's Death

Governor General Welcomes Latest Batch Of Syrian Refugees Arriving In Toronto

The chartered plane from Beirut, carrying about 214 refugees, was the fourth flight organized by the government as part of its plan to bring 10,000 Syrian refugees to Canada by the end of the year.