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

High Court Agrees B.C. Man's Rights Violated, But Grants Crown Appeal

VANCOUVER — A new trial has been ordered for a southeastern B.C. man after the province's highest court overturned a judicial stay of proceedings in a case of criminal negligence causing death.

High Court Agrees B.C. Man's Rights Violated, But Grants Crown Appeal

PM Justin Trudeau Said Willing To Look At That Voting Ban For Long-Term Expats

In an interview from the U.K., Laura Bailey says she met Trudeau at a reception at the Canadian High Commission on Nov. 25 as he moved through the crowd and shook his hand.

PM Justin Trudeau Said Willing To Look At That Voting Ban For Long-Term Expats

Former Tory James Moore Opposed As Next Chancellor Of B.C. University

The petition, posted Friday by an anonymous senator from the Prince George, B.C.-based university, had topped 1,000 signatures by early Tuesday.

Former Tory James Moore Opposed As Next Chancellor Of B.C. University

Governor General David Johnston Calls Arrival Of Syrian Refugees A 'Defining Moment' For Canada

OTTAWA — Gov. Gen. David Johnston issued a rallying cry Tuesday for Canadians to welcome refugees who are fleeing the conflict in Syria, calling Canada's response to the crisis a "defining moment" for the country.

Governor General David Johnston Calls Arrival Of Syrian Refugees A 'Defining Moment' For Canada

Federal Shortfalls On Track To Be $10.8 Billion Bigger Than Forecasts: Watchdog

The government is on track to deliver annual shortfalls that will be as much as $10.8 billion higher than expected, the parliamentary budget office said Tuesday.

Federal Shortfalls On Track To Be $10.8 Billion Bigger Than Forecasts: Watchdog

Canada Rebounds With 2.3 Per Cent Quarterly GDP Growth, But Weakness Persists

OTTAWA — Canada has climbed out of the recession that nudged the economy into reverse over the first half of 2015 — but a rebound in growth during the third quarter has already shown signs of lost momentum.