Fire Suppression
Emergency Response
Frontline wildfire response. Suppression crews build fire control lines, dig trenches, move equipment, plumb water systems, extinguish fires and work under high-pressure emergency conditions.
Experience/Training Req.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
SEASONALITY
High
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This is the role for people who want intensity and a crew that has their back. It’s action-heavy, high-stakes, and physical. Workers love the challenge, the trust, and the sense of real impact. Suppression is also a respected foundation for moving up in fire—into leadership, aviation, planning, or burn operations.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
When you're on a suppression crew, no two days look the same. During active fires, you could be digging hand guard control lines through dense forest, hauling pumps and hose up steep slopes, extinguishing hot spots, or working alongside helicopters to secure drop zones. You often hike to reach the fire line, where the heat, smoke, and adrenaline set the tone.
On slower days, you're sharpening tools, checking gear, reviewing safety protocols, or patrolling to discover hot spots. You’ll attend briefings, map your work zone, and stay ready for a sudden call-out. In camp, there's a rhythm: early wake-ups, gear checks, fire weather updates, logistics meetings. When on the line, the work is often hot, dirty, and fast-paced—but clear in its purpose.
Team communication is constant. Everyone has a job, whether you're running a pump, pitting in a hose lay, digging line, extinguishing hot spots, monitoring spot fires, or managing logistics. The crew works as a unit—whether you’re chasing flare-ups, holding perimeter, or mopping up hotspots.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Expect long hours, all types of terrain, and physically challenging conditions. You’ll be exposed to smoke, heat, steep ground, and unpredictable fire behavior. Fire crew members wear fire resistant clothing and protective equipment to protect them from the hazards of the fire environment. That said, you're surrounded by a crew who shares the load—mentally and physically. There's a strong culture of support and safety. You’ll work in forests, grasslands, alpine terrain, or near communities—sometimes flown in by helicopter or transported by boat, truck, or on foot. The challenge is real, but so is the pride.
CYCLICAL NATURE OF ROLE
The core fire season in BC usually runs from May through September, with peak activity in mid-to-late summer. Outside fire season, some suppression crews shift into fuels management or prescribed burning. Crews are on-call or deployed during active fire events, and schedules can change with very little notice.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & TRAINING
Minimum requirements typically include:
S-100 / S-185: Basic wildfire suppression and safety and fire entrapment avoidance
Basic or Intermediate First Aid + Transportation Endorsement, or advanced first aid
WHMIS / Bear Aware / Radio Use
Incident Command System - 100 level
Additional training may be provided by the hiring agency or province.
Workers often attend boot camps or multi-day onboarding programs.
No formal education is required, though many suppression crew members build careers through continued training and leadership development.
REQUIRED SOFT SKILLS
You need to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and follow direction quickly. Physical stamina, emotional steadiness, and accountability to the crew are essential. Adaptability and a willingness to work long hours in a variety of environments are baseline requirements.
REQUIRED HARD SKILLS
You’ll use Pulaskis, shovels, hose lays, radios, pumps, and basic navigation tools. Familiarity with fire behavior, suppression tactics, and safety procedures is essential. Helicopter safety, line construction, and emergency medical response are often part of the job.
ON THE JOB LEARNING
Fireline construction and suppression techniques
Real-time decision-making under stress
Team coordination and communication
Helicopter and heavy equipment operations (in some crews)
Wildfire behavior recognition and terrain reading
High-level endurance and operational resilience
FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Fire suppression opens doors to forestry work, chainsaw operating, prescribed burning, crew leadership, fire operations planning, or fire weather analysis. Many workers go on to become Crew Leaders, Strike Team Leaders, or specialize in air operations, safety, or initial attack coordination. Others transition into wildfire education, training, or fuels management.