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

Chemicals, Materials Used In Drug Labs Found At Suspicious Surrey Fire

The fire started just after 9 a.m. Monday at a rural property on 40 Avenue, near 157 Street.

Chemicals, Materials Used In Drug Labs Found At Suspicious Surrey Fire

Goal Near For Western Canada March To Remember Missing, Murdered Women

A difficult trek aimed at raising awareness of a tragic problem is less than a week from its conclusion as participants of the Walk for All Missing and Murdered have reached Terrace, B.C.

Goal Near For Western Canada March To Remember Missing, Murdered Women

Art Or Science? Don't Ask, Says Renowned Canadian Dinosaur Painter

His portraits are so compelling you can almost hear his subjects tramp through the forest and smell their heaving breath.

Art Or Science? Don't Ask, Says Renowned Canadian Dinosaur Painter

SPCA Wants Quebec To Ban Keeping Dogs Tied Outside Around The Clock

The Montreal SPCA is asking the Quebec government to ban keeping dogs chained around the clock as part of an upcoming overhaul of the province's animal-rights legislation.

SPCA Wants Quebec To Ban Keeping Dogs Tied Outside Around The Clock

Harper Absolves All His Staff Except Wright In Duffy Affair

Stephen Harper says only one member of his staff in the Prime Minister's Office acted irresponsibly or unethically during the Mike Duffy affair.

Harper Absolves All His Staff Except Wright In Duffy Affair

To Snip Or Not To Snip: Pediatric Society Updates Advice On Circumcision

Put a bunch of parents of young children together and bring up the topic of circumcision and — well, let's just say the discussion is sure to get lively.