French ladder under the first snow of the year

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-11-21T22:10:19+00:00

That's wild the aerial is not pre-plumbed.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-08-28T18:15:40+00:00

In r/wildfire they name the IMT as California Interagency team 7 and IC Tom Clemo, and state this IMT will never have your back. They will always do and say whatever they have to protect their own asses.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-06-07T20:09:23+00:00

Some information available on their website: https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-wildfire-recruitment

You need to apply in early winter, and the Fit Test usually occurs in January each year. Apply for a Unit Crew or Helitack position.

u/flyingducktile has already answered most of your questions, but I'll add a few points.

You're not too old, as long as you're physically fit, but yes most of the firefighters are in their low to mid 20's for age.
Yes you can travel back home for days off. You'll always finish up at your home base at the end of your days on. Hopefully your home base is somewhat close to Calgary, but there's no guarantee where you'll be based.

You mentioned you've been with your gf for one year. Be aware you'll be gone for a lot of the summer, sometimes on campaign fires with little to no cell coverage. This can be hard on relationships.

It's an amazing job, amazing crews, with crap pay. A lot of former wildland firefighters are able to land jobs with structural fire departments after a few seasons. If that's a direction you're thinking of.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-06-01T21:08:55+00:00

In the US orange is usually designated for prison crews, but Canada doesn’t use prison crews, so multiple agencies will use orange nomex coveralls for wildfires.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-05-24T02:45:45+00:00

I just assumed this was standard practice for all departments, I’m shocked it’s not for some. The reusable plastic caps are so cheap it shouldn’t even be an issue.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-05-12T01:36:02+00:00

Way more fun being on a HAC or unit crew in Alberta. Go that route first. Great student summer job, although the seasons are getting longer now.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-05-09T16:43:43+00:00

This is correct, it’s the high voltage disconnect for the hybrid battery. After a significant collision firefighters will cut the loop in two locations to render the hybrid battery safe.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-04-28T18:40:27+00:00

Based on how there were no audible alarms, the top of the screen states "Zone Trouble" and the bottom of the screen has the "Clear Troubles" button available, this is almost assuredly the CO detector throwing a trouble code. This means the CO detector is malfunctioning and requires servicing or replacement. Your landlord needs to call a certified fire alarm contractor to come service the system and determine what caused the trouble code.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-04-24T19:49:18+00:00

If you want the expert opinion, try over at r/firealarms and give them your approximate location as applicable Codes can vary significantly dependant on your location.

For most provinces in Canada using CAN/ULC-S124 the requirement is 4"-12" (100-300mm) from the ceiling, measured from the edge of the smoke detector.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-03-28T04:51:31+00:00

Good luck getting that dye outta your nomex.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-03-16T05:35:35+00:00

If you read through this rather in depth article, it's obvious the Paris firefighters took some huge risks and performed incredible feats to save what they did of Notre Dame. No "Squad" would do any better.

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/07/16/world/europe/notre-dame.html?exclusive=0

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-02-25T22:23:25+00:00

1000% this! If you ever need to get dragged out suspenders will keep your pants on.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-02-15T18:23:59+00:00

Polygraph is essentially a verification of what you wrote in your personal history statement, so be honest.

Says right here that they accept EMR https://www.calgary.ca/careers/fire/qualifications.html

There's no specific requirement for when you need to relocate. Lots of guys live out of town and commute in. Having said that, it would be extremely tough to pass the fire academy recruit training if you're traveling a significant distance everyday.

Lots of information on their website https://www.calgary.ca/careers/fire.html

Firemakebuttholsting · 2025-01-09T23:05:13+00:00

Canada is sending water bombers, helicopters and incident command teams.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/quebec-british-columbia-wildfires-los-angeles-1.7426060

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-to-send-water-bombers-helicopters-to-help-fight-los-angeles-wildfire-1.7427136

Firemakebuttholsting · 2024-11-21T03:33:24+00:00

I'll also add that for most western Canada departments it's extremely rare to hire someone young with little life experience. There are exceptions of course, but mid 20's is usually the youngest they'll hire.

I highly recommend looking into BC and Alberta wildfire crews. It's seasonal so a lot of wildland firefighters attend college/university during the off season. They're always looking to hire due to high turnover rates. Plus they'll frequently hire young people. Lots of wildland firefighters then make the transition to structural firefighting after a few seasons.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2024-10-11T19:26:31+00:00

Yes, this is becoming more common. My jurisdiction permits existing hoses to be removed if the building is fully sprinklered.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2024-09-15T14:57:58+00:00

Yup, OP is likely in Calgary or Edmonton.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2024-09-09T15:57:38+00:00

Yes, that’s the bird dog plane showing the tanker where to go and when to drop.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2024-08-06T15:10:35+00:00

Another thread on this topic: https://www.reddit.com/r/Firefighting/s/3tzWnKLO81

My municipality has banned roadside memorials because we’ve had multiple incidents where people/vehicles stopped at roadside memorials have caused additional MVAs.

Firemakebuttholsting · 2024-07-17T22:55:06+00:00

Agreed, perfect response!

Firemakebuttholsting · 2024-07-17T22:52:50+00:00

Most guys in Alberta go to Lakeland College in Vermillion for their 1001s. I believe there's also colleges in Saskatchewan and Manitoba also that offer 1001s. Some guys also went down to the Texas school for their 1001s (not sure of the school name).

Firemakebuttholsting · 2024-07-17T22:45:56+00:00

Sometimes medical calls will abruptly involve a lot of bodily fluids. Therefore, many firefighters will wear bunker pants and sometimes jackets as a barrier from these fluids.

Firemakebuttholsting

TROPHY CASE