Volunteer firefighters

The Courtenay Fire Department is a community minded and progressive group of volunteer firefighters. We’re always looking for dedicated people to join our team. Volunteers train regularly and have access to modern training facilities.

Why volunteer

Becoming a volunteer firefighter offers more than just training. You’ll gain:

  • New skills.
  • Leadership opportunities.
  • Teamwork and friendship.
  • A sense of pride and job satisfaction.
  • The chance to make a real difference in your community.

Who can volunteer

You’re eligible to apply if you:

  • Live in the City of Courtenay.
  • Are at least 18 years old.
  • Have a valid B.C. driver’s licence.
  • Are in good physical health.
  • Can provide a current driver’s abstract and criminal record check.
  • Can pass a fitness evaluation.
  • Can attend weekly training sessions on Tuesday or Wednesday nights.

If you meet these requirements and want to serve your community, we’d love to hear from you.

How to apply

1. Download the application

2. Complete the form

  • Save the file to your computer.
  • Fill in the form fields and save again.
  • Print and sign the completed form.

3. Submit your application

You can submit your signed application by:

  • email: fire@courtenay.ca
  • in person: Courtenay Fire Hall, 650 Cumberland Road (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Training

All members receive ongoing training to build new skills and maintain existing ones. Volunteers train more than 100 hours each year.

Training takes place on Tuesday or Wednesday nights, with occasional weekend sessions. Each session includes both theory and hands-on practice using modern equipment and facilities.

W.A. Lane MacDonald Fire Training Centre

Our firefighters train at the W.A. Lane MacDonald Fire Training Centre, located on a 3.36-acre site on Waters Place in east Courtenay — between Costco, Home Depot and the BC Hydro substation.

Facility features:

  • Live fire training building using natural gas and artificial smoke.
  • Realistic residential and commercial layouts with movable walls.
  • Digital fire technology for safe, hands-on learning.
  • Built-to-scale city street.
  • Working fire hydrants.
  • Space for driver and pump operator training.

The centre is named after Captain Lane MacDonald, who spent over 50 years training firefighters across B.C. and in our community. Captain MacDonald joined the Courtenay Fire Department in the 1960s and was promoted to Training Officer in 1989. He retired from active duty in 2003 after 32 years of service. Since retiring, he continued to support the department by attending weekly training sessions and helping lead the recruit training program.