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How we work with rural and remote firefighters

Last updated on June 14, 2024

Rural and remote firefighters are self-organized groups who have signed up to support BCWS activities during wildfires.  

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Understand the role of a rural and remote firefighter

Wildfires significantly affect rural and remote areas. This has prompted many local groups to ask how they can get involved in response efforts.

Often, these groups are made up of individuals with expertise in forestry and emergency response. Their local knowledge and strong community ties allows them to provide specific services that are essential to their community's unique needs. 

Under the Wildfire Act, BCWS can hire temporary employees to help with wildfire-related activities. This means that BCWS supports self-organized groups in rural and remote areas. This includes local societies, associations and fire brigades who meet our standards and are ready to operate under the BCWS's guidance. 

Rural and remote firefighters may only be activated when there are no more available BCWS or contract crews available in the area.

Responsibilities

Rural and remote firefighters must carry out all activities under the supervision and guidance of BCWS. BCWS does not authorize rural and remote firefighter groups to voluntarily respond to a wildfire. 

The BCWS designate will assign roles based on the group's experience and training. Groups may be asked to support activities such as:

  • Expediting resources, like personnel, equipment and supplies
  • Mopping-up. For example, cooling ash pits 
  • Patrolling areas to prevent potential flare-ups

Without explicit direction from BCWS, rural and remote firefighters are not permitted to:

  • Suppress wildfire
  • Enter or remain in an area that's under an evacuation order
  • Move or re-deploy BCWS resources 

Note: Structural firefighting is not included in the rural and remote firefighter model BCWS is currently offering. Individuals or groups interested in combatting fires within buildings and other structures should consider joining a local volunteer fire department. 

Handling fire-related hazards

BCWS does not authorize, train or provide equipment to rural and remote firefighters to manage fires that involve structures, vehicles or waste disposal sites. Dispatched emergency firefighters are to stay away from these fires to avoid the danger of exploding items, toxic smoke and ash. 

If rural and remote firefighters observe a wildfire involving a power line, they must not attempt to suppress it. Rural and remote firefighters should immediately inform their fire centre, so they can dispatch authorized utility company personnel to verify that the line has been de-energized. 

How BCWS is working with rural and remote firefighters in 2024

The BCWS has identified rural and remote firefighting groups to participate in training for the 2024 season. 

Criteria met by participating groups

Groups are self-organized and either:

  • A business entity, such as a non-profit society. They must be able to receive funding and have an accountable leadership structure

or

  • A fire brigade. This means that they're a group of individuals who are willing and ready to respond to a wildfire. This group may or may not be incorporated 

In addition, each group had to:

  • Be outside of structural fire protection jurisdiction, meaning their community or area is not covered by the services of a municipal or established fire department 
  • Show a genuine desire to participate
  • Be willing to follow the command and direction of BCWS

Each member of the group had to meet the following requirements:

Record maintenance 

Rural and remote firefighting groups are responsible for obtaining, maintaining and providing certification records and contact lists to BCWS upon request, as per the Workers Compensation Act.

When called to work, groups will undergo 2 key processes:

  • Pre-organization phase. This involves steps such as registration, operational briefings and readiness confirmation
  • Statutory hire acknowledgement and confirmation. This stage is the formal recognition that they've been hired as rural and remote firefighters by BCWS

During these processes, groups must provide: 

  • Their society incorporation number 
  • Their designated primary and secondary contact phone numbers
    • These individuals are responsible for all communications to their membership regarding activation, fit for duty issues and administrative tasks
  • A list of all members who have completed training and are open to work 
  • Training and certifications for each member

How BCWS activates participating groups

Activations refer to the process of deploying firefighting teams and equipment in response to a wildfire incident.

In the event where BCWS requires support, a BCWS designate will contact the rural and remote firefighters group through their representative and provide direction. It's the group's responsibility to contact their members and confirm their availability. Members can choose whether to participate or not. Shift lengths and work locations will be situationally dependent. 

The rural and remote firefighters group will respond to a predetermined staging location for the incident. It'll always be within their local area. All further actions and activities will be under the direction of the BCWS designate. 

Every rural and remote firefighter member is required to have their PPE and be ready to wear the appropriate gear, as needed by the circumstances. They must also bring their own food and water for the workday.

Payment

Rural and remote firefighters are eligible for compensation. There's no guarantee of how many hours or days of work a rural and remote firefighter will get.

Note: Any activities carried out without a BCWS designate are considered voluntary and will not be paid. 

Other ways to help

If being a rural and remote firefighter is not the right fit, there are various other ways to support your community, such as: