Town of Banff

Fire

The Banff Fire Department is responsible for fire protection of all structures in Banff National Park, including those in the Town of Banff.

For emergency response, call: 911

There are 3 full-time and 26 part-time firefighters. Key activities include:

• public education
• fire prevention inspections
• fire suppression
• motor vehicle extrication

The Fire Department responds to an average of 350 calls per year. Response time is within 3 to 6 minutes in the townsite, and 25 minutes to Lake Louise.

The department is equipped with 1500 and 1050 G.P.M. (gallons per minute) pumpers, a rescue truck, a 75 ft. aerial ladder truck, and the "Jaws of Life."

More information:
T: 403.762.1256
E-mail: fraser.kirby@banff.ca

Fire prevention and readiness:

• 3-Minute Drill website (Government of Alberta)

Information on Joining the Banff Fire Department

When are we recruiting?
Recruitment for part-time firefighters happens when our numbers drop enough to warrant a recruit class.  This traditionally occurs once every 3-5 years, with classes usually at a minimum size of 7-10 recruits.  

What are the requirements?

• All applicants must live and work in Banff, and have been a been living in Banff for at least 1 year
• Be at least 21 years old
• Have completed grade 12 education (or equivalent)
• Have a class 5 licence with current abstract and pass an RCMP criminal background check
• Must have a signed letter of agreement from their employer stating that they can respond to emergencies during business hours

How to apply

• Applicants fill out an application form (during recruitment this is available at the Fire Hall and Town Hall), and submit a resume
• Successful candidates then participate in a round of practical physical evaluations.  This typically includes a claustrophobia and an acrophobia test (a blackout maze and 75 foot ladder climb respectively), as well as a hand over hand hose hoist and a coupling manipulation test
• After physical testing applicants are interviewed by at least 3 members (two chief officers and the training officer)
• Those chosen for the recruit class then must attend a 6-8 week training class.  This is two days a week with a minimum of 4 hours per class
• After the training class is completed those who pass will become probationary firefighters and will attend weekly training sessions of 4 hours

Once you're a firefighter

• After 1 year probationary firefighters may become regular 4th class firefighters, on call part-time paid
• Weekly training sessions continue and members are expected to work some weekends in the summer season
• Ongoing training is done in-house and through 3rd party certified instructors and will continue throughout the firefighters career
• Duties include responding to all nature of emergencies including; fires, medical assistance, motor vehicle collisions and rescue operations

Additional skills that are assets in being a Fire Fighter

• Experience in building trades (electrical, construction, plumbing etc.)
• The proven ability to work under pressure, to work well in a team and to follow orders  
• First Aid, CPR, O2 therapy and AED training
• A passion for Fire Fighting and public safety
• Previous firefighting experience or training is a 'nice to', not a 'need to' have