Become a FireRanger
How to apply for a job as a FireRanger or type II firefighter in Ontario.
Ontario launches new incentive payment for wildland firefighting
In recognition of the critical services wildland firefighters and pilots perform amid challenging and often dangerous conditions, an attraction and retention incentive payment of up to $5,000 will be provided to employees in front-line fire, aviation and critical support positions to support the 2024 fire season. Learn more.
About FireRangers
FireRangers are Ontario’s forest firefighting crews working to protect the forests, people and communities.
Being a FireRanger is a rewarding but physically demanding job. Ontario FireRangers are trained and certified at the Type I crew level, the highest level. This means they can carry out all aspects of firefighting, including:
- initial attack: the action taken to halt the spreading or potential spread of a fire by the first firefighting force to arrive at the fire
- sustained attack: the continued action of suppressing a fire beyond the initial attack, until so far as it is under control
- mop-up: the act of extinguishing a fire after it has been deemed under control
As well as fighting forest fires, Ontario FireRangers participate in:
- fire prevention
- equipment maintenance
- training
- resource management projects such as clearing brush or trees that could be a fire hazard
Who is eligible
You are eligible if you:
- are 18 years of age or older
- speak English
You also need to successfully complete the following training:
- Canadian Physical Performance Exchange Standard for Type I Wildland Firefighters (WFX-FIT)
- SP100 Wildland Firefighter Training Course
- standard first aid (St. John’s, Red Cross or equivalent)
Note: while specific training and certification are required, successful completion does not guarantee candidates will be hired.
Reimbursement of training fees for Ontario FireRangers
As of the 2024 fire season, if you are hired as an Ontario FireRanger, you are eligible to be reimbursed for your:
- WFX-FIT assessment test fee
- standard first aid course fee
- SP100 course tuition fee (new FireRanger hires only)
Course and test receipts are required for reimbursement.
Individuals who are successfully hired will receive additional on-the-job training in:
- health, safety and workplace hazardous material information system (WHMIS)
- transportation of dangerous goods
- chainsaw use
- workplace discrimination and harassment prevention training (WHDP)
How to apply
Applications for the 2024 fire season are now closed. Recruitment for the 2025 fire season will begin in November 2024.
Deadline
Applications are accepted annually, between November 1 and April 15.
Hiring usually takes place annually, between February and May.
Selection process
Step 1: Your application is entered into a central data bank, which all Fire Management Headquarters have access to. You can update your application at any time.
Step 2: Each Fire Management Headquarters reviews the submitted applications.
Your application is reviewed to determine:
- if you meet the mandatory hiring requirements
- if you have included your references
You will have an opportunity to provide us with more information, such as your work history, education and any specialized certifications you possess, on the FireRanger employment application.
Step 3: Leading candidates are contacted by telephone for follow-up interviews.
Step 4: Successful candidates are notified. If you receive a follow-up interview, but fail to get a position, you can be put on a supplementary firefighter list. You will receive additional training and be eligible for on-call work.
Ontario employs up to 800 FireRangers across the province each fire season. The number of new recruits varies based on the number of returning FireRanger staff each fire season.
Fire crews usually work from late April or early May to the end of August, with some staff working into September depending on fire activity.
Type II firefighter
If you are not hired as an Ontario FireRanger, you may be able to get a job as a Type II firefighter with a private company. You will need to apply directly with each company.
Type II crews conduct sustained attack and mop-up. Crews are hired as needed during the summer when fires are active.
Private companies fill about 240 positions each year in Ontario, with the number of new recruits varying each year.
During periods of escalated fire activity, the ministry hires extra FireRanger crews, warehouse and other support staff and seeks support from private companies and their Type II fire crews.
Type II firefighter service providers
Type II contracts have been awarded for the next fire season to the following private companies who hire and provide fire crews.
Southern Zone Contractors
Geraldton Community Forests Inc.
P.O. Box 400
Geraldton ON P0T 1M0
Contact: Cory Nephin
Outland Camps Inc.
627 Squier St
Thunder Bay ON P7B 4A7
Tel:
Fax:
Contact: Jennifer Morrison
Northern Zone Contractors
Geraldton Community Forests Inc.
P.O. Box 400
Geraldton ON P0T 1M0
Contact: Cory Nephin
Geraldton Community Forests provides support in Eabametoong (Fort Hope) and Webequie.
Outland Camps Inc.
627 Squier St
Thunder Bay ON P7B 4A7
Tel:
Fax:
Contact: Jennifer Morrison
Outland provides support in Sandy Lake, Polar Hill, Nibinamik (Summer Beaver), Pikangikum and Wunnumin Lake.