Halifax Regional Municipality relies on over 550 volunteers throughout the region. These volunteers, all part of the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency team, serve at 22 fire stations staffed exclusively by volunteers, as well as 14 composite stations with both career and volunteer firefighters operating around the clock and seven composite stations where career firefighters provide weekday coverage alongside volunteers.
Last year, our volunteers contributed over 28,800 hours responding to emergency incidents and an additional 50,745 hours dedicated to training and related duties.
Our volunteers reside in 92 communities across the municipality and play a vital role not only supporting emergency response and related training but also taking part in community events, open houses, parades, school visits, food pantry work, holiday programs and other activities that build community ties. They are valued ambassadors for Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency and the Halifax Regional Municipality.
How do I apply to be a volunteer firefighter?
You must be a resident in the station area that you wish to volunteer.
If this sounds like the right fit for you, read about the full process for applying to be a volunteer firefighter in Halifax.
What is it like to be a volunteer firefighter?
As a volunteer firefighter, you’ll start by learning. The first step is to successfully complete HRFE’s Volunteer Firefighter Recruit Training, in which you’ll learn the basic skills required to respond to emergencies.
After that, you can expect an average of 25–35 hours per month of additional training, emergency responses, and meetings.
You will also be expected to:
- perform firefighting duties and other related work as required
- respond to and work in all types of weather
- work in a safe manner, in accordance with your training
- participate in community events as required
- carry a pager (provided) and respond to emergencies when available
- participate in weekly training
- be conscientious and dependable
- Service to your community
- Free training
- Flexible time commitment
- Financial recognition--including an honorarium averaging $3,000 per year
- Personal reward, excitement and comradery.
Before you apply, make sure that you have the following qualifications:
- a valid driver’s license, minimum Class 5 (not a learner's permit)
- grade 12 or equivalent education
- a driver's abstract demonstrating a safe driving record
- a clean criminal record check
- Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status
- ability to communicate in English
- normal vision and hearing
- physically and medically fit
- no phobias of confined heights or spaces
Please enter your civic address below to see if we are recruiting volunteers in your area. For more information contact us at volff@halifax.ca