Firefighter Recruitment and Training

Firefighters courageously dedicate themselves to the safety and security of our community. Every day, they protect lives and property! They respond to fires and medical emergencies, educate the public, and keep their skills sharp with training. They also help with cleanup after fires and maintain their equipment and stations. Learn more about how to become a firefighter and career opportunities with the City of Niagara Falls.

Firefighter recruitment

Interested applicants wishing to apply to the City of Niagara Falls must do so during an active recruitment drive.

Career firefighters

We typically recruit full-time firefighter positions every one to two years based on our needs. There’s no fixed schedule, so watch local media and the Employment Opportunities section of our website.

Volunteer firefighters

Recruitment for volunteers normally begins in September, with a start time in December. We will first hold a public information session for interested applicants at one of the volunteer stations. Watch for advertising on the city website, social media, and at local fire stations during an active recruitment drive.

Basic volunteer catchment area

Volunteer Firefighters respond within specific designated areas and must live within the Basic Volunteer Catchment Area.   Please refer to the map for more information regarding acceptable residency boundaries.

• Basic Volunteer Catchment Map

Volunteer stations

Volunteer firefighters operate out of three stations:

• Station 4 - 8696 Banting Avenue - located in Chippawa
• Station 5 - 11208 Sodom Road - located in Willoughby
• Station 6 - 8037 Schisler Road - located in Crowland

Becoming a firefighter – training & certification

Learn about training and certification available to aspiring and current firefighters through the Office of the Fire Marshal. Visit the Government of Ontario’s website for information about firefighter programs, testing and certification, and recognized schools.

• Firefighter training and certification – Government of Ontario

Continuous learning

Training continues after you start your career with the City. To ensure consistent standards, we provide the same core training modules for full-time and volunteer firefighters.

The Fire Department training division supports firefighters by:

• Conducting reclassification and promotional exams
• Providing emergency medical training
• Training for fire ground operations
• Running Company Officer training
• Coordinating driver’s license exams and renewals
• Providing training in hazardous materials, vehicle extrication, high-angle rescue, confined space rescue, and water and ice rescue
• Supporting firefighter professional development