With another wildfire season underway, the province is adding more firefighting positions and offering a payment incentive for fire rangers and support staff.
More than 100 permanent positions will be created, including new year-round jobs that will support career path opportunities for fire rangers and other staff, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry stated in an April 2 release.
The province, which has also bought new forest fire-fighting equipment, will also provide an attraction and retention incentive payment of up to $5,000 to employees in front-line fire, aviation, and critical support positions to support the 2024 fire season.
It is also expanding eligibility for standby pay and reimbursing eligible expenses for training and special safety equipment. An investment of $20.5 million over three years will also enhance aerial technologies and boost understanding of evolving fire science and behaviour.
Tough wildfire year
More than 700 wildland fires were reported in Ontario last year, with more than 440,000 hectares of forests burned – nearly triple the 10-year average of total hectares burned on the landscape.
“Throughout the fire season, Ontario’s firefighting staff work tirelessly – under very difficult conditions – to keep people, communities and property safe,” Minister Graydon Smith stated. “The start of the fire season is an important time to recognize how important these fire crews are and the brave work they perform to keep the public safe.”
More than six years of experience on project fires. Position ranging from accountant/clerk/Van,, assistant camp boss, line camp boss, cook.
Would love a job like this
Would love a job like this
When can I start
MNRF have been very complacent in regards to fire fighters that protect our forests and infrastructure! We need more prescribed burns which eliminate major fires that get out of control! So many people say these fires are climate related, which is wrong! Fire has been around since man was created. Fire rekindles the living bush lands and fields so Mother Nature can do what she is suppose to do. Every person that works in the bush says the best thing you can do to a bush is light her up. Gets rid of diseases and brings on the greens that require fire to survive. We as people take on such a back wards approach to fire. Just saying and a safe day to all our front line people! Been there and done that!