B.C. Wildfire Service receives record 1,700 applications

The British Columbia Wildfire Service has seen a record number of applications for its 2025 season. More than 1,700 people have applied since October, the highest total ever. This includes nearly 580 applications in January alone, which is also a monthly record. There are about 200 openings for new crew members each year. In total, around 1,300 wildland firefighters work across various crews. The province is also focusing on recruiting First Nations members. A new training model will help build local skills and strengthen bonds with wildfire centres. Beginning in April, boot camps for First Nations recruits will take place in several fire centres. New recruits will also train at the service's facility in Merritt. The government has been expanding the wildfire service's operations in response to more severe fires. In 2023, wildfires devastated over 28,000 square kilometres in British Columbia, the worst recorded yet. An additional 10,800 square kilometres burned last year.