More firefighting photos, click here.

Rutland Senior Secondary, in cooperation with Joe Rich Fire Rescue, offers a firefighting program.  See the frequently asked questions below.  

Who can take this course?

- the program is open to any student in School District #23.

- if there is not enough seats, preference will be given to students that are in grade 11 or 12 and have shown previous interest in firefighting.

Where and when is the course?

- the first 1/2 of the course occurs at Rutland Senior Secondary during which students complete their medical training.

- the second 1/2 of the course occurs at Joe Rich Fire Rescue station 51 (11481 Hwy 33 East) from about April to June, about a 20 min drive from RSS.

*******STUDENTS WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING THEMSELVES TO THE FIREHALL FOR APRIL TO JUNE, THIS WILL BE THEIR CLASSROOM FOR THREE MONTHS********

- the course is during TWO blocks, so students would be enrolled in firefighting all day, every second day.

What will students learn?

- emergency medical care

- exterior firefighting (self contained breathing apparatus, hoselines, basic pumping, fire behavior and control, ropes and knots, ladders)

- forestry firefighting

- vehicle extrication and low angle rope rescue

-Note:  students can take firefighting a second time.  They would be enrolled in advanced firefighting (OFC interior standard)

What certifications do students get?

- if students are successful in all exams AND pay the associated fees, they will receive:

- First Responder license

- Emergency Medical Responder certificate

- Standard First Aid (OFA I equivalent)

- Exterior Firefighting certificate

- Forestry S-100 certification

- Emergency Scene Traffic Control

(NOTE with government EMR license students can also apply for Occupational First Aid level III equivalency)

For more information, contact:  aaron.volk@sd23.bc.ca