How to Become a Firefighter in Ontario: A Complete Guide!

Want to join the Ontario fire department? Want to know how to become a firefighter in Ontario? One of the greatest advantages you can have is to join the elite group of men and women committed to safeguarding your neighbourhood. You can get assistance from us at the Fire as well as Emergency Training Institute

Among their everyday duties, firefighters put out fires, respond to medical emergencies, clean up after fires, and inform the public. It’s critical to comprehend and embrace the commitment, education, and training that become a part of the “job” when attempting to become a firefighter.

1. Canadian Fire Department Ranks

A list of Canadian Fire departments are listed below:-

• Firefighter on the side
• Aspiring fireman
• Firefighter/EMT
• Engineer Lieutenant Captain Battalion Chief Assistant Chief Fire Chief Firefighter/Paramedic

2. Basic/Minimum Prerequisites for Becoming a Firefighter in Canada

Some of the minimum/basic requirements for becoming a firefighter in Ontario are listed below:-

• Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration.
• Able to lawfully work in Canada.
• Valid credentials for Level HCP CPR and Standard First Aid.
• No infractions against the law have not been absolved.
• Hold a grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma or its academic counterpart. Card for a pleasure craft operator.
• Valid Ontario “G” class driver’s license (*limited to two violations).
• Valid Physical Fitness Evaluation.
• Without corrective lenses, 20/30 uncorrected eyesight.
• Passes Ishihara Test passes Farnsworth D-15 and has normal colour vision.
• Possess secure peripheral and depth perception for fighting fires.
• With no substantial loss in higher frequencies, normal unassisted hearing thresholds at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz are no louder than 30 decibels within each ear.
• Being able to work varying hours, including weekends, holidays, and nights.
• Work well in circumstances of high pressure.
• Meet medical requirements without fear or acrophobia.
• Communicate clearly and exactly in a demanding, high-pressure environment by speaking, reading, and writing in fluent English.

3. Requirement Criteria for Entry-Level Firefighters in Ontario

• Entry-level firefighters in Ontario must have a Pre-Service Fire Officer Education and Training Programme Certificate or NFPA 1001 Firefighter Levels I and II Certificates from an accredited school.
• OFM curriculum components 1, 2, as well as 3 with investigation certification, or
• Minimum of a pair years encounter as a full- firefighter in a local ablaze division, or
• A minimum of five years endure as a freelance firefighter within a local ablaze department
• Class “D” license alongside “Z” air brake approval (dependent on the fire department)
• Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the Ontario Fire Administration INC. (OFAI) Assessment with the Swim Test Firefighter Services of Ontario Testing.

4. Criteria and Requirements for Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment

Municipalities may or may not pay volunteer firefighters, but there are various requirements for the jobs. Volunteer firefighters must have a valid driver’s license, be at least 18 years old, be able to read, write, and speak in English and/or French, and be physically fit to execute the job’s demands.

Other criteria include the ability to attend scheduled training, living or working in the response area, having good moral character, being a team player, and not having any criminal convictions that are linked to firefighter duties.

5. How to Become a Firefighter in Ontario?

A fireman must uphold an ethic of principles as well as professionalism, have the flexibility to work long hours and on holidays and weekends, be a good teammate, be well-organized, and be fast on their feet.

Firefighters must be able to perform tasks requiring a lot of physical effort, in cramped areas, and at great heights in order to react to all emergency situations.

Although firefighters are a unique breed of both men and women, there is intense rivalry for available jobs. A candidate must not only enroll in and complete an accredited firefighter school but also be ready for the commitment of the hiring process.

5.1 Application for Job

A firefighter might have to shell out a fee for administration to qualify for a job, much like they would at a university. Applications are filed online along with a cover letter, resume, letters of recommendation, and documentation of any necessary credentials.

5.2 Application Evaluation

The proper Human Resources, as well as hiring committees, may carry out the fire department’s screening procedure. Candidates who are chosen will be informed and required to submit images of any education and degree-related certificates.

5.3 Job Assessment/Interview

After a candidate gets proof of a job interview, there are several steps that include written tests and in-person interviews. According to the firefighting company and position, there might be extra charges for entry to the written and physical tests. Any firefighter job requires a professional background check and a criminal background check.

All fire stations in Ontario abide by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessible Facilities for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. During the hiring and evaluation processes, accommodations will be made available to selected applicants.

5.4 Testing of Candidate Physical Capabilities (CPAT)

Candidates who have been chosen must complete the Candidate Physical Abilities Testing (CPAT) portion. There are eight distinct assessment activities that are carried out in a progressional order. It is advised to participate in both the virtual orientation and the actual orientation. Both give applicants the chance to assess their own physical prowess and receive insightful input.

A stair ascends, water friction, apparatus transport, platform rise and extension, forcible entrance, search, and rescue operations, as well as a ceiling breach and pull exercise, are all included in the CPAT. Within a time frame of 10 minutes as well as 20 seconds, all of these tasks are to be completed collectively. Any mistakes or time limitations are met with an instant failure.

The walk between each event is 25.91 meters, allowing 20 seconds for regrouping in between each segment of the course. To provide a realistic environment, all of the apparatus is standardized. Each candidate will don a hard hat, a pair of work gloves, appropriate clothing, long trousers, and no jewelry. Under the required firefighter protective gear, a weighted vest that weighs 22.68 kilograms is donned to simulate the mass of an independent breathing apparatus. (SCBA). The candidate will be carrying a supplementary load of 11.34 kilograms during the stairs climb event to represent a hose bundle.

5.6 Clearance Following an Interview

Candidates will go through a Criminal Record Check at the neighborhood police office before a decision is made. A pardon may be granted if an applicant has a criminal history, based on the accusation and the fire establishment’s decision.

Before a hiring choice is made, a criminal record check as well as a medical evaluation must also be submitted. A designated doctor must conduct the medical evaluation in compliance with the NFPA.

5.7 Selection

The hiring committee chosen by a fire department has the ultimate say on whether to hire a qualified applicant. All interviews, evaluations, testing, and reference results will be duly reviewed and discussed in private.

5.8 Career Offer

A written conditional contract of employment detailing the position of a probationary firefighter will be given to the chosen applicant. Having an active Ontario D Class License with Z Prefix and driver abstract throughout the training duration as well as the 12-month trial period are requirements of the offer.

The Takeaway!

This was the topic of “How to Become an Ontario Firefighter?” Simply follow the steps outlined above to learn everything there is to know about becoming a fireman in Ontario.

Check this out if you want to know about the top 20 highest-paying jobs in Canada.

Queries and Answers

Some of the most asked questions regarding How to become a firefighter in Ontario are listed below:-

1. Is it difficult to become an Ontario firefighter?

Education, involvement in the community, numerous hours of exercise as well as dedication, peak physical fitness, and, most importantly, a strong desire to assist others are all required. To make things worse, it is a highly competitive field. Often vying against thousands of other candidates.

2. Is it challenging to become an Ontario firefighter?

It necessitates extensive training as well as commitment over many hours, excellent physical condition, and, most significantly, an intense desire to help others. It also encourages education and community participation. Its fierce competition only makes things worse. vying frequently against thousands of other applicants.

3. In Ontario, are firemen in demand?

In Ontario, the job outlook for firefighters (NOC 4312) is expected to be moderate between 2022 and 2024. The following factors influenced this outlook: As a consequence of job growth, just a handful of new positions will be established. A few jobs will become available as a result of retirement.

4. Does Ontario require a degree to become a firefighter?

Studies in firefighting and fire systems require a grade 12 English and mathematics point, in addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and an equivalent. Senior technological and science classes are also commonly recommended and occasionally required.